August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose. This is a day for us to remember those who have died from drug overdose and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. We encourage you to use this occasion to raise awareness and to help spread the hope of recovery and to end overdose. This year for IOAD, CDC released a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Reported Non–Substance-Related Mental Health Disorders Among Persons Who Died of Drug Overdose — United States, 2022.
Using data from CDC's State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), investigators examined characteristics of people who died of a drug overdose in 2022 and had any reported mental health disorder (MHD) in 44 jurisdictions. In the analysis, more than 1 in 5 people who died of a drug overdose had a reported mental health disorder (MHD). The most frequently reported MHDs were depressive (13%), anxiety (9%), and bipolar (6%) disorders. Approximately one quarter of people who died with an MHD had at least one recent potential opportunity for intervention (e.g., an emergency department visit).
As we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2024, we reflect upon the impact overdose has had on our communities—remembering those we have lost and empowering each other to work together to prevent future overdoses. Decreasing stigma and other barriers to seeking and receiving care for all MHDs, including substance use disorders (SUDs), could save lives and improve mental health. To help prevent fatal overdoses, health care and public health professionals can build upon efforts to identify and treat patients who have SUDs and other MHDs, such as integrated screening and treatment and strengthened local harm reduction services, including naloxone distribution.
On this IOAD, remind your networks about the importance of overdose awareness and prevention. Through healing and empowering our communities, together we can save lives and end overdose.
You can make an impact by sharing our overdose prevention work and resources with colleagues, partners, and loved ones this International Overdose Awareness Day. We invite you to help share our message that drug overdose is preventable.
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