ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced that the Maryland flag would be lowered to half-staff to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
It was initiated in 2001 in Australia by S.J. Finn, who was managing a needle and syringe program at The Salvation Army Crisis Centre in St Kilda, Victoria. It has been run by the Penington Institute since 2012.
“To mark International Overdose Awareness Day, state flags have been lowered to remember all who have lost their life to substance use disorder,” said Governor Hogan on Tuesday. “This is not only a day to honor their memories, it is a call to action—we must all work together to get help to those who need it.”
The sun has risen on International Overdose Awareness Day 2021.
Today is a difficult day in such a difficult year.
However you observe it, know that you are part of a global movement for a better world.
Time to Remember. Time to Act.
Today and every day.
💜 💜 💜#IOAD2021 pic.twitter.com/Il85Akl4eT
— International Overdose Awareness Day (@OverdoseDay) August 30, 2021
Photo via Bruce Emmerling on Pixabay
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