PCC media and communications co-ordinator Shara Scott, leaving a gold padlock up on the vertical garden tribute wall started at Primary Care Connect in 2023.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Data from Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2023 shows that one Australian loses their life to overdose every four hours.
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Drug overdose remains one of the top three causes of death for Australian adults under the age of 50. Over 37,000 lives have been lost to overdose since 2001.
Saturday, August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.
The day stands to commemorate lives that have been lost to overdose, raise awareness, dispel stigma and support those impacted by overdose while raising the question of what needs to be done to tackle the problem at its root.
This year’s theme is ‘Together we can’.
Joining in on the advocacy, local community health organisation and alcohol and other drugs service provider Primary Care Connect will hold its second tribute lunch.
Primary Care Connect chief executive Trish Quibell said the statistics spoke for themselves.
“This tells us we need more comprehensive education programs around substance use and the risk of addiction with some medications,” Ms Quibell said.
“One thing is definitely clear, though, and that is that the stigma surrounding addiction and overdose is misguided and painful, and addiction and overdose do not discriminate.
“Primary Care Connect is dedicated to raising awareness about addiction, and to providing programs, services and resources that help support those who may be abusing substances or suffering from addiction, and their families and loved ones who are providing support.”
The organisation aims to foster a supportive community environment that encourages individuals to seek help and address the issue head-on.
As part of that mission, and to commemorate the day of awareness, the tribute lunch and memorial event will be held on Wednesday, August 28.
This event aims to provide a community space for those who have been impacted by overdose, or who have lost loved ones to overdose, to come together in solidarity and share experiences, offer comfort and develop connections in a supportive environment free from judgment.
Primary Care Connect media and communications co-ordinator Shara Scott said the service wanted to acknowledge International Overdose Awareness Day in the most meaningful way for the community.
“Last year we started a permanent tribute wall in our Community Garden space, and we are once again encouraging those in our community who may have lost loved ones to overdose, to come along, share lunch with us, and leave a permanent, engraved padlock tribute up on our vertical garden wall for your loved one,” she said.
“We want to play our part in helping end the stigma and provide the community with an event and a space where they aren’t judged but supported.
“Together we can end the rise of lives lost to overdose — and together we can end the stigma and suffering for those left behind.”
Primary Care Connect invites everybody to participate in creating a more understanding and empathetic community.
International Overdose Awareness day is August 31.
Photo by
Supplied
Event details:
Date: Wednesday, August 28
Time: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Location: Primary Care Connect, 399 Wyndham St, Shepparton
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