The HSE National Social Inclusion Office hosted a live webinar to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2023 The theme for this year was, “Recognising those people who go unseen”. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver. As part of the world’s annual campaign to raise awareness about overdose, those who have died and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. [1.32 hours]

Speakers:

Dr Denis O’Driscoll, Independent Chair of the National Naloxone Oversight Quality Assurance Group, hosted the event and was joined by:

• Minister Hildegarde Naughton providing the opening address
• Andy O’Hara presenting and sharing UISCE’s “Now you see me” campaign videos
• Daniel O’Callaghan presenting on ‘Special death’: Living with bereavement by drug related death in Ireland (download presentation)
• Prof Jo-Hanna Ivers presenting on Advancing Addiction Recovery in Ireland (download presentation)
• Prof Eamon Keenan providing an update on the naloxone programme in Ireland (download presentation)
• Jenny Smyth thanking colleagues in our partner services who have responded to overdoses

Live music was provided by John Lynch and Larry Hogan

Drugs.ie Overdose resources

• IOAD2023 posters and resources will also be distributed to services nationally, to enable awareness raising at a local level.
• Share your IOAD message over social media, using the #EndOverdoseIRL, #IOAD2023 and #ReduceTheHarms and follow & tag @drugsdotie, @HSELive and @HSE_SI.
• Get overdose materials on our site on this link
• Get harm reduction information and resources for different types of drugs on the drugs.ie site here
• Get information about the Naloxone Project here