Yesterday, we marked 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Alongside Penington Institute, we came together to remember the people we’ve lost to overdose, reflect on how we can support those in our community who are at risk, and have a conversation about what needs to change to prevent more overdose deaths.
The event was opened by the Minister for Mental Health, the Hon. Ingrid Stitt, before we heard from a panel discussion. The panel featured Marg Quon, author and lived experience advocate; Dr Jake Dizard, Director of Research at Penington Institute; Dr Paul MacCartney, Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor at the Department of Health; Sally J Finn, founder of International Overdose Awareness Day and former frontline harm reduction worker; and Nicola Perry-Peters, Director of the Balit Durn Durn Centre at VACCHO.
The panel explored the question: what will it take to prevent another 25 years of lives lost to overdose?
The discussion emphasised the need to tackle stigma, remove barriers that prevent people from accessing treatment, and invest in harm reduction measures. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us yesterday, and to be part of a community that continues to show up and support each other.
If you or someone you know has been affected by overdose, find information and resources on our resource page.