The 31st of August is International Overdose Awareness Day which aims to raise awareness of drug overdose, and reduce the stigma associated with overdose deaths. It acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends of those who have died or been permanently injured as a result of overdose.

Today families of people lost to overdose, alcohol and other drug organisations and Members of Parliament came together at Parliament House to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

In Victoria last year, there were 217 overdose deaths from illicit drugs and many more fr

The Victorian Government invests more than $17 million each year in a range of initiatives to reduce the harm associated with drug use, including fatal overdoses.

Dean Beck went along to the events and caught up with the State Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley who announced the Government will invest in a peer-led networks trial in six locations across Melbourne. Peer workers will draw on their local knowledge and experience of drug use to identify those at risk of overdosing and provide peer support to people who may not to utilise mainstream supports.

The Government earlier this year announced the introduction of real-time prescription monitoring – a key recommendation of many coronial inquests. The real-time prescription monitoring system will be backed by a $30 million investment to help medical clinics, pharmacies and hospitals to identify prescription drug seekers earlier and before their addiction escalates into serious harm.

Dean also spoke with Fiona Patten MLC who was hands-on when needle exchanges began over 30 years ago and he caught up with Finn, the founder of International Overdose Awareness Day.

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