Annually on August 31, communities worldwide observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – a unified, global initiative to remember those lost to overdose, support those grieving, and propel action through education, prevention, and harm-reduction.
Global and National Impact
IOAD is recognized in over 40 countries, presenting a powerful international call to action. In the U.S., drug overdose continues to be a leading cause of injury-related deaths, with around 80,400 Americans dying from overdose in the 12 months ending December 2024 - that averages to 220 deaths per day. Opioids, particularly potent synthetics like fentanyl, account for roughly 73% of these deaths, underscoring the urgency of focused, lifesaving efforts.
Arizona’s Crisis – and Progress
In 2023, 1,928 Arizonans died from opioid overdoses; marking a plateau after near-annual increases.
Pima County & Tucson: A Local Emergency
In 2023, Pima County recorded 532 overdose deaths, the highest in its history and an increase of 7.5% year-over-year. On average, the county recorded over one overdose death daily.
According to Pima County and the ADHS Drug Summit - and alarmingly - between 2022–23, fatalities in these age groups surged:
- A 62% increase among 13- to 19-year-olds
- An 83% increase among 60- to 69-year-olds
Meanwhile, the county has seen promising signs around fentanyl. Tucson reported an approximate 30% drop in fentanyl-related deaths (from 49 deaths to 34) and Pima County’s fentanyl overdoses decreased from 112 to 75, thanks in part to harm-reduction strategies and naloxone distribution.
International Overdose Awareness Day honors lives and supports healing communities. It offers a public moment to remember those lost and to help families and friends navigate grief without stigma or shame—because healing is impossible in silence. It reduces the stigma that so often fuels suffering. Misconceptions and shame keep people from seeking help.
IOAD promotes compassion over judgment, sending a clear message that addiction is a health issue, not a moral failing. It catalyzes action when our data demands it.
With overdose deaths up sharply in Pima County, state-wide daily fatalities, and youth and elderly demographics showing disturbing surges, IOAD serves as a wake-up call—to reinforce treatment access, education, and crisis response systems.
Every year, SAVAHCS hosts an outreach event to educate Veteran’s and their families on opioids, and the risks of overdoses from all substances. The Addiction Medicine team along with Suicide Prevention hand out materials, education, and prescribe Narcan on the spot. Last year, the team distributed 75 kits in 3 hours. Resources for mental health and substance use disorders are on site to sign patients up for care.
The event for veterans and their families will be at the SAVAHCS Building 890 Foyer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 26. 2025.