City of Snoqualmie
News Release
For immediate release: August 30, 2019
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is designated on August 31 to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury because of drug overdose, and stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy.
The use and overdose of opioids has skyrocketed in recent years due to a lack of public education about the topic and over-prescription of drugs by physicians and pharmaceutical companies. From 2016 to 2017, preventable opioid deaths increased by nearly 14 percent. Since 1999, they are up 633 percent.
The Snoqualmie Police Department urges our communities to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day by attending a vigil, sharing art-based projects memorializing lost lives, spreading the word on social media, purchasing a designated bracelet, or disposing of unused medications. The Snoqualmie Police Department is open during business hours for safe disposal of medications.
“It is important that our communities and our schools begin to think differently about drug overdose,” said Snoqualmie Police Chief Perry Phipps. “No community is immune. It is time to change the way we look at drug-related deaths and educate those around us.”
Other ideas for recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day can be found at nsc.org/overdoseawarenessday
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Gail Folkins, City of Snoqualmie
gfolkins@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us
cityofsnoqualmie.org
425-888-1555 / 425-275-7950