Full Press Release

International Overdose Awareness Day in Eastern Idaho

August 31, 2024

Eastern Idaho  — Local communities in Eastern Idaho and around the world are coming together to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

The following event will be taking place in Idaho Falls in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day:
• Candlelight Vigil organized by Brick House Recovery and other community organizations, to remember those lost to overdose, recognize individuals in recovery, and spread hope.
o Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 6:30pm MT at the Greenbelt Stage Pavilion, Idaho Falls

By holding an event this year, the people of Eastern Idaho are joining themselves to a global movement for understanding, compassion, and change. People and communities come together annually to raise awareness of one of the world’s most urgent public health crises.

Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. Idaho Drug Overdose Mortality data from 2023 indicates 386 Idahoans experienced fatal drug overdoses with 197 deaths directly related to fentanyl overdose. Visit Get Healthy Idaho for additional information.

Eastern Idaho Public Health’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program advances opioid prevention work through public and prescriber education, local capacity building, public safety partnerships, and connection to resources.

Eastern Idaho Public Health provides information and presentations to community members and organizations about the current state of opioid use in Idaho, safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids, education on prescription and illicit opioids, opioid overdose warning signs, how to administer naloxone, and Idaho’s Good Samaritan Law. Presentations include overdose recognition and demonstrations of nasal naloxone.

If you or your organization are interested in hosting a Drug Overdose Prevention and Response Training (Naloxone Training) or have questions, please contact Mallory Johnson mjohnson@eiph.idaho.gov or 208-533-3221

For additional information regarding Eastern Idaho Public Health overdose prevention program and services, please visit EIPH’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program webpage.

A full list of the IOAD 2024 events currently planned around the world can be found on the International Overdose Awareness website.
International Overdose Awareness Day is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit.

###