Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 every year. An initiative of The Pennington Institute. This year saw over 700 events in 40 countries, where individuals and organisations held events to raise awareness and end the stigma of overdose. Overdose does not discriminate and its impact felt globally, by coming together, taking action and talking about overdose we can  #EndOverdose!

MyNameIsMum held Sydney’s “International Overdose Awareness Day Breakfast in The Park” at Centennial Parks beautiful “Celebration Steps” on the Willow Pond at 6.30 am.

We were blessed to have The Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore to open our event with a powerful message of the need for governments to act with courage and responsibility in the fight of ending overdose and communities to react with compassion.

Guest speakers included Dr Tim Green, Director of ED at RPA hospital, Charles Henderson from NUAA, and advocates for change in prescribing of opioids, family members who have lost loved ones to overdose, Meghan Griffiths, Sally Wilkinson and myself, who gave heartfelt accounts of the effects of overdose on families and friends, followed by a blessing for all those lost to overdose.

We had over 100 attendees, which is fantastic for a 6.30am start, and thanks to our amazing sponsors- On the Edge Media Group for our social media marketing and Stephen Green for event co-ordinating, Printing and posters from Harvey Norman Moore Park Computer store and print shop, Coles Waterloo Bakery for delicious pastries, Randwick Racecourse Catering, Australian Natural Health Company, Love is Blinds and SalonMPG who helped put on a grand breakfast and informative event. The amazing Clara Helm, ”the voice of an angel” sang beautiful songs around the pond and the Ecopelligos entertained us with their thought provoking performance.

All reports from guests were very positive and really got the conversations started on overdose and the dangers of prescription drug overdose.

Please watch snippets of our video of the day, it really is good information.

Go to The Pennington Institute page www.overdose.com to see more.