Every overdose death is preventable.
For the last 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has been held on August 31st in the hope of bringing a global community together to take action on overdose. On this day, we amplify our voices to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and recognize those who may go unseen as part of this epidemic.
This initiative strives to eliminate overdoses, commemorate those lost, and recognize the anguish experienced by bereaved friends and families. “Overdose” doesn’t discriminate – it can impact anyone, regardless of their background. Shattering the stigma linked to addiction and fostering candid discussions are paramount for change.
What is the State of Crisis in 2026?
“25 years on. Still needed.”
On International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), we can transform grief, memory, frustration, and hope into action and healing.
5 Things to Know About Overdose
When more people know the signs of an overdose and carry naloxone, more people are prepared to act during those critical moments.
Overdose in 2026
Since 2015, over 1,000,000 people in the United States have died from a drug overdose. So, what does the data currently tell us?
Overdose deaths are mostly driven by the misuse of opioids, often in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, stimulants, and alcohol.
Signs of an Overdose
Overdoses can be both fatal and nonfatal.
SAFE Project Team in Action
In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, the SAFE Project staff is taking their awareness into their community by attending events across the region to honor those we’ve lost. Send us your photos and tag us on social media to help amplify this important movement.
Stories & Resources
Jonathan Winnefeld’s Story
SAFE Project was founded in November 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld, following the loss of their 19-year old son Jonathan to an opioid overdose. The Winnefelds immediately channeled their grief into action, hoping to save other families from the pain of loss.
Overdose Response Training
In this video, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose, as well as how to administer the naloxone, also known by the Narcan brand name.
NAHB & Jobsite Safety Institute for English and Spanish Naloxone Training
SAFE Project, in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) & Jobsite Safety Institute (JSI), produced brief training videos in both Spanish & English on how to administer naloxone.
Intersection of Prevention & Grief Webinar
This webinar explored how experiences of loss — including ambiguous grief, anticipatory grief, and substance-related grief — can shape emotional health, coping behaviors, and risk pathways for youth, families, and communities impacted by addiction. Featuring Eluna Director, Sarah Behm Guillén.
Interview with Author Melody Ray (Someone I Loved Died from a Drug Overdose)
Featuring grief organization GRASP and friend Kerri Rhodes.
When an Off-Duty Construction Worker Saved a Life
The story of how Jimmy Kelley, a professional painter from Boston, utilized his naloxone training to save someone’s life.
Revived & Alive: Living with Purpose
Brian Sutton’s journey to recovery, perseverance, self-discovery, and continuous learning. As he continues to expand his construction business, he has become a leader and advocate for people still struggling.
Why Vulcan Materials Stocks Naloxone at All Operating Facilities
SAFE Project’s Senior Director of Workplaces, Cal Beyer, recently interviewed Chad McDougal, Vice President of Safety, Health & Environmental at Vulcan Materials Company. Vulcan Materials Company is a Fortune 500 enterprise with a top-down commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability.
Overdose Awareness Support
International Overdose Awareness Day holds a complex set of responsibilities and emotions, just as our mission at SAFE Project does. It reminds us of the weight of grief that so many live with in the wake of millions of overdoses, as well as the individual losses that have impacted each of us directly. It offers us space to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones, and allows their stories to continue.
This year, SAFE Project invites everyone to take action. Check out the resources below to find out how we can all be a driving force for overdose awareness and be prepared to save a life.
Resources for Individuals in Active Use
Request an Overdose Response Kit
Be prepared to respond in the event of an overdose. Request an Overdose Response Kit from SAFE Project, equipped with Naloxone, a Safety Plan, and easily accessible resources for overdose prevention.
Fentanyl Safety
Check out the SAFE Project website to learn up-to-date information about fentanyl. SAFE also offers a free Fentanyl Safety training.
SAFE Project Safety Plan
Building a safety plan is an important strategy to help prevent overdose. Explore the SAFE Project Checklist and download a fillable safety plan you can give to folks you trust.
Safespot Hotline
Safespot is a free, 24/7, national hotline (1-800-972-0590) for peer-led overdose detection and prevention. Operators will ask for your exact location before you use, and, in the rare event that you stop responding to them, they will get you help.
Resources for Everyone
Overdose Opioid Response Training
Interested in building your overdose response skills? SAFE offers multiple opioid overdose response training including a quick 1-minute option and a robust 30-minute one. Explore all options out here.
What to Do If You Witness an Overdose
Learn the symptoms and indicators of an overdose, what to do and what not to do if you witness an overdose. Read about it here.
What to Do After an Overdose
Witnessing and responding to an overdose can bring up a lot of emotions. While after care for the person that overdosed is important, taking care of yourself is just as necessary. This looks different for everyone but could include processing with a trusted person or therapist, prioritizing self care, and being gentle with yourself.
Depending on who experienced the overdose, you may wonder how you can be supportive. SAFE’s resources include numerous talking guides that provide tips for navigating conversations surrounding substance use. These sorts of conversations may feel tricky and require vulnerability on both sides. The conversation doesn’t need an end goal; just letting them know you care and are here is more than enough.
Your Gift Can Save Someone’s Life
SAFE Project was founded in November 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld, following the loss of their 19-year old son Jonathan to an opioid overdose. The Winnefelds immediately channeled their grief into action, hoping to save other families from the pain of loss.