Tearing Down Walls and Uniting Our Voices on International Overdose Awareness Day
03/09/2024| Publications
By Sophia Vargas
August 31 marked a momentous day dedicated to reflection, remembrance, and action on a topic that remains a global challenge: overdose. This date, known as International Overdose Awareness Day, seeks to break the stigma surrounding substance users, promote prevention, and remember those who have lost their lives due to this cause.
The day originated in Australia in 2001 and has since grown into a global movement. Community organizations, NGOs, health centers, and consumer groups around the world have embraced this date to hold events aimed at reducing stigmatization and providing essential information on how to prevent overdoses and support those at risk.
This year, Metzineres joined forces with the Xarxa de Dones que Usen Drogues (XADUD), Catalan Network of People who Use Drugs (CATNPUD), and Red de Feministas Antiprohibicionistas en el Ámbito de las Drogas (REMA) to create a significant event in memory of those who died from overdoses at Emili Vendrell Square. During this day of advocacy, we raised our voices with key messages. Among them, the need to create more supervised consumption rooms was highlighted: safe spaces where people can consume, which significantly reduces overdose deaths.
Another important point addressed was the need to improve the first responder’s reaction. Many of us users have witnessed or experienced overdoses, making us the first responders in such emergencies. It was emphasized that both we and our friends and family must be informed. Also highlighted was the need for the over-the-counter sale of Naloxone and the availability of nasal Naloxone, an antagonist to reverse opioid overdoses.
The commemorative activities also included an urgent call to break the social stigma surrounding drug users. Stigma not only isolates us but also contributes to many people dying alone, without support or assistance. It was stressed that stigma continues to claim victims, and eliminating it is a shared responsibility of society.
During the day, badges in memory of the victims of the war on drugs, made by Metzineres, were distributed, and texts that resonated with those present were read. Jordi Parramon from CATNPUD and Manu Benedetto from XADUD shared words that reminded us of the importance of the anti-prohibitionist struggle, while Tania Quintana from Metzineres presented a rap titled "Spread Your Wings," full of strength and hope.
The day concluded with a Mapping by Kostia, where the logo of International Overdose Awareness Day illuminated the walls, along with the names of all those who have died from overdoses. It was a moment of silence, respect, and reflection, where each projected name represented a lost life but also a call to action.
On this day, voices were raised to demand legality, awareness, and distribution of Naloxone for all substance users, along with more testing and supervised consumption spaces.
"Fewer deaths, more information" was the slogan etched in the collective memory at the end of the day. A reminder that the struggle continues and that empathy, knowledge, and action are our best tools to prevent further loss of friends, family, or neighbors.
