Denver Health, Alongside Harm Reduction Action Center, to Recognize Overdose Awareness Day with Community Partners and Mayor in Effort to Reduce Stigma and Educate Public
WHAT: Overdose Awareness Day – Participants will march from Harm Reduction Action Center to the Rita Bass EMS Education building on the Denver Health campus in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. A speaking program will recognize the importance of Overdose Awareness Day, highlight a personal testimonial, focus on the city’s approach to addressing addiction and overdose, as well as discuss ways to reduce stigma and provide support people in need.
There will also be a “visual memorial” displayed that represents all 1,111 deceased overdose victims from 2018. And participants will have the chance to sign a pledge to reduce stigma against overdose.
WHO: Speakers include: Denver Health CEO, Robin Wittenstein; Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock; Britni E., a patient giving sharing her personal experience; and Dr. Christian Thurstone, Denver Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
Event Partners: Harm Reduction Action Center Harm Reduction Action Center, a not-for-profit that provides services to injecting drug users; Denver District Attorney Office, Denver’s local and state prosecution office; Denver Adult Probation, court administered offender supervision program; Addiction and Research Treatment Services (known as ARTS), substance abuse treatment provider under the UC School of Medicine; Behavioral Health Group, an addiction treatment provider for opioid users; Denver Recovery Group, an addiction treatment provider for opioid users.
WHEN: Friday, August 30, 2019
March begins at 2:00 PM
March ends at 3:00 PM
Program begins at 3:15 PM
WHERE: March kicks off from Harm Reduction Action Center at 231 E Colfax and concludes at the Rita Bass EMS Education Center (Denver Health campus) at 190 6th Avenue. The speaking program will be held on the southeast lawn of Rita Bass EMS Education Center.
About Overdose Awareness Day
In Colorado, 1,111 people died from drug overdose in 2018. International Overdose Awareness Day is held on August 31 each year and aims to raise awareness about drug overdose as well as reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends of those who have died or suffered permanent injury from drug overdose.
Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. Organizations across the world hold events to mark the day.
About Denver Health
Denver Health is a comprehensive, integrated organization providing level one care for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Denver Health provides medical care to nearly one-third of Denver’s population, proudly serving as the city’s safety-net hospital and providing preventative, primary and acute care services.