International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is marked every year on 31 August, bringing together communities around the world to remember the lives lost to overdose and support those grieving. The day also creates space to challenge stigma, share stories and affirm that overdose deaths are preventable.

In 2026, individuals and organisations are invited to take part by hosting or attending events, lighting landmarks purple, holding vigils, sharing tributes, organising educational activities and meeting with decision-makers. These actions aim to raise awareness and build support for evidence-based overdose prevention strategies.

The campaign is guided by the belief that overdose can and must be prevented, and that responses should be rooted in compassion, health, human rights and community-wide action rather than criminalisation.