ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan ordered the Maryland flag to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day 2022.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died.
It also serves to 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 Wednesday. “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.”

On Wednesday evening, Government House in Annapolis will be lit purple to mark the occasion. Governor Hogan also issued a proclamation recognizing September as Substance Use Disorder Recovery Month.

Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day.
We are all united by the same mission: to end the overdose crisis. Today, no matter where you are, or how you are marking #IOAD2022, know that you are part of a global movement for a better world.💜#IOAD #EndOverdose #Overdose pic.twitter.com/DihUviYXTB

— International Overdose Awareness Day (@OverdoseDay) August 31, 2022