Overdose Awareness Day Event with IROAR

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.

IROAR powered by OPTUM join with Chris Mecham of PEER Wellness Center to bring attention to National Overdose Awareness Day! Chris states, "We are holding this years event in conjunction with Optum's Idaho Recovery Open Awareness Ride (IROAR), so in addition to the memorial display on the Capitol steps, we will be highlighting recovery as the alternative. Rosie at Health and Welfare shared data that indicates our overdose death rate actually dropped from the previous year, meaning 7 fewer Idaho families lost a loved one and the work we are all doing is having an effect.

The actual event is at 11 am on August 29th on the Statehouse steps. Approximately 120 motorcycles are slated to be there."