Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the prevention of overdose deaths as well as to reduce the stigma surrounding substance-related deaths. Organizations are coming together from all over the Mountain Plains Region to recognize this day and remember those who have lost their lives from overdose. Events include educational seminars on reducing stigma and preventative measures surrounding drug-related deaths, candlelight vigils, and chalk events to remember those who have lost their lives, and group meetings to support those who struggle with a substance use disorder.

In 2020, an estimated 93,331 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose.1 This is an overall 29.4% increase from the 70,980 deaths in 2019, with a similar increase in the number of those deaths that involved an opioid.2 Opioids, including prescription medications, heroin, and other synthetic narcotics have claimed 50,042 lives in 2019 and 69,710 lives in 2020.1,3

To find events in your state/county please visit the International Overdose Day website.
1 https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2021-07-14-cdc-drug-overdose-deaths-294-2020
2 https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html
3 https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
Events Showcase:
*If your event is not listed here please contact the Mountain Plains ATTC at: mpattc@casat.org
Colorado
You Matter Hosted by Aperture Of Hope, LLC
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 5:00 PM MT
Location:  501 Eagle Count Dr, El Jebel, CO 81623
Information Booths: Harm Reduction, Holistic Healing, Awareness Photography in Recovery, Peer Support, Grief Support, etc. Live Band, Speakers with lived experience in recovery or loved one with SUD or who has passed, Honor Walk.
Overdose Awareness Day Hosted by the Harm Reduction Action Center (HRAC.Denver@gmail.com)
Tuesday, August 31, 2021 1:30 PM MT
112 E 8th Ave Denver, CO 80203
Join the Harm Reduction Action Center participants, staff, and community partners for a time of mourning and overdose prevention education. Tuesday, August 31 from 1:30-3:30 outside of the HRAC. There will be Narcan trainings, fentanyl testing strip trainings, ruckus raising, and a memorial.
International Overdose Awareness Day Event with the Rockies Hosted By Sober AF Entertainment (Duke@soberafe.com)
Sunday, August 22, 2021 11:00 AM MT
2239 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
We are hosting a sober support brunch before the Colorado Rockies baseball game on August 22. We will have multiple speakers including the owner of the Rockies and State Senator Brittany Pattersen. We will then wear purple shirts to signify international Overdose Awareness Day. We will be handing out free purple shirts. And then sit together for the baseball game in section 110 and 111. There will be discounts for these seats.