08-30-2011, 06:49 PM
International Overdose Awareness Day is Wednesday, August 31:
Accidental drug overdose is currently the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for people between the ages of 35-54 and the second leading cause of injury-related death for young people. The overdose crisis now claims more lives each year than firearms, homicides or HIV/AIDS. Most of these deaths are preventable, but the "tough on crime" rhetoric of the drug war and the stigma associated with drug use have blocked the widespread adoption of life-saving overdose prevention policies, including Good Samaritan 911 legislation and distribution of the overdose reversal medication naloxone. DPA is leading the national effort to help save lives by promoting sensible solutions and better policy at the state and federal level.
Accidental drug overdose is currently the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for people between the ages of 35-54 and the second leading cause of injury-related death for young people. The overdose crisis now claims more lives each year than firearms, homicides or HIV/AIDS. Most of these deaths are preventable, but the "tough on crime" rhetoric of the drug war and the stigma associated with drug use have blocked the widespread adoption of life-saving overdose prevention policies, including Good Samaritan 911 legislation and distribution of the overdose reversal medication naloxone. DPA is leading the national effort to help save lives by promoting sensible solutions and better policy at the state and federal level.