NJAMHAA Marks International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31
Deadly drug overdose, especially from opioids, has increasingly
become a major public health issue in recent years. According to
the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services'
(DMHAS) statistics for 2014, heroin and other opioids combined
resulted in 49% of substance use treatment admissions in the
state, and an analysis by NJ Advance Media has shown that the
heroin overdose death rate in New Jersey is more than three times
the national average.
Because of this crisis, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert
Menendez hosted a Forum on Addiction and Healing at Saint
Barnabas Medical Center, which was recognized for its Opioid
Overdose Recovery Program, earlier this month. U.S. Surgeon
General Vivek Murthy made it a stop on his nationwide tour to
educate communities about the dangers of opioids and encourage
physicians to "Turn the Tide" on opioids when it comes to pain
management.
This year's International Overdose Awareness Day, taking place on
August 31, comes on the heels of these recent developments as
opioids are involved in more than three out of five overdose
deaths. This event, organized by the Australian public health
non-profit Penington Institute, aims to raise awareness about
overdose, as well as reduce the stigma associated with
drug-related death.
The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction
Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA) supports the awareness-building efforts
of New Jersey's U.S. Senators and the Surgeon General on this
International Overdose Awareness Day, and encourages others to
become educated about the risk factors for overdose, learn how to
identify an overdose, and spread awareness about the dangers of
drug overdose. In its advocacy efforts, NJAMHAA supports federal
and state legislation that will improve access to substance abuse
treatment and recovery services. Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President
and CEO of NJAMHAA, has stated that the association works to
"ensure that evidence-based treatment and ongoing recovery
support are readily available for everyone in need. It is
heartening to see our federal leaders focusing on this critical
issue as demonstrated by our state's U.S. Senators' recent forum,
as well as last week's announcement of the Obama Administration's
funding of initiatives to address the heroin and prescription
opioid epidemic through public health and safety strategies."
According to the official event website, www.OverdoseDay.com,
"Overdose Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose
death is preventable." The website provides resources to help
community members prevent and identify overdose, including fact
sheets, a wealth of informational and support links, and its
"Overdose Aware" iPhone app.
The website also lists International Overdose Awareness Day
events that are taking place all over the world, with several
occurring in New Jersey. As New Jersey is in the grip of an
epidemic of opioid abuse, it is especially critical that
residents learn about overdose and become empowered to assist
those struggling with addiction to opioids or other drugs.
NJAMHAA encourages residents to take advantage of the resources
available through the International Overdose Awareness Day
website, and to consider attending one of the events in our state
on August 31. Additionally, residents can visit NJAMHAA's website
(www.njamhaa.org) to find local providers who offer mental health
and/or substance use disorder services.