The drug overdose crisis in the United States has not only claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans but has also had a profound impact on their children.

This day is the largest yearly initiative aimed at ending overdose, remembering without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledging the grief of the family and friends left behind.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, and acknowledge the grief families and friends go through remembering those who either died or received a permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose.