From Roland Jauernig, Manager Health Protection, DHS

Each year, on the last day of winter, the Salvation Army invite people to remember those who have died or are suffering permanent injury from overdose and to lay bare the stigma associated with drug use.

Overdose Awareness Day aims to:

• commemorate people who have either died or have been disabled from drug overdose – not just overdoses that are heroin related, but also overdoses from alcohol, pills and other drugs;
• provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn for loved ones, some for the first time, without feeling guilt or shame;
• provide an opportunity for community members beyond the drug users’ direct family and friends to show they care by donning a badge;
• send a strong message to current and former drug users that they are valued and respected;
• stimulate discussion about overdose prevention and drug policy;
• provide basic information on the range of support services that exist in the local community; and 
• remind the drug user to be careful.

Overdose Awareness Day is symbolised by a silver badge to signify the profound loss of someone cherished. Badges are available for anyone to wear, whether you wish to show your understanding or to offer your condolences to those who bear the burden of grief, or, indeed, to signify your own grief.

As with last year, silver badges are available free from the team at HPS. Please contact Anne-Marie on anne-marie.cupples@dhs.vic.gov.au  or x65184 to arrange badges for you and your family / friends / colleagues.

2008 Events
This year, the day will be launched on Friday 29 August by the Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin. The launch will commence at 11am at the Palace George Cinema, 135 Fitzroy Street St Kilda. For more information please contact access.health@aus.salvationarmy.org.

A memorial service will also be held on Friday 29 August at the Uniting Church, 16 High Street, Frankston. Service commences at 11.00 am. Call SHARPS on 97811622 for more information.

A remembrance service will be held on Sunday 31 August at the Brunswick Uniting Church, Cnr Merri Street and Sydney Road, Brunswick. Service commences at 11.00 am - light refreshments to follow. For further information please contact UnitingCare Moreland Hall via Rosemary Carter (Chaplain, UnitingCare Moreland Hall) on (03) 9386 2876.