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Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) observes both Overdose Awareness Week (August 28th to September 3rd) and International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31st). International Overdose Awareness Day is the most extensive worldwide annual campaign to end accidental drug overdose and transcend the barriers of stigma. Additionally, we acknowledge the damage done by these overdoses, including the grief of family and friends left behind.

Without question, accidental drug overdose is one of the world’s worst public health crises. Thus, both Overdose Awareness Week and International Overdose Awareness Day focus on raising awareness. The goal is to stimulate action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy. As a nonprofit organization focusing on integrated healthcare solutions, TTC strongly supports observing these events. Too many people are dying needlessly from accidental drug overdoses.

The Federal Proclamation on Overdose Awareness Week

A federal proclamation from the White House underscores the importance of these observances. According to the proclamation by President Joseph Biden, “As the overdose epidemic has evolved, synthetic opioids –particularly illicitly manufactured fentanyl — now drive the majority of overdose deaths. In 2021, more than 100,000 people died from an overdose, an approximate 15 percent increase from the previous year. Every loss is a painful reminder that, now more than ever, we must address our Nation’s overdose epidemic.”

Therefore, given the cost, both Overdose Awareness Week and International Overdose Awareness Day spread a message not just about the tragedy of drug overdose deaths but also about available prevention and treatment measures. Indeed, given the availability of Naloxone, an opioid antagonist that reverses the deadly effects of a fentanyl overdose, accidental death is preventable.

Moreover, both campaigns acknowledge the profound grief felt by families and friends. Across the country and the world, too many loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose. However, with Naloxone readily available over the counter, lives now can be saved. In response, TTC provides Naloxone nasal spray training to our employees and in our communities.

Overdose Awareness and MAT Services

In addition to Naloxone training, TTC also offers Medications for Addiction Treatment. MAT Services are medications that are designed to help with the recovery process. Hence, Mat Services in a treatment setting saves lives and prevents relapse. The critical focus of MAT Services when it comes to opioid use disorder is withdrawal management. By managing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, MAT Services give patients a much greater chance at success in early recovery.

With more people dying from accidental drug overdose than car accidents, the observance of these two events needs to be more than just an observance. Instead, action needs to be taken to educate and raise awareness about the availability of Naloxone and treatment services. At the forefront of this battle, TTC continues to focus on saving lives and providing treatment services to underserved communities. To learn more about how we can help, please contact us today.