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.


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