Awareness Day in Jefferson County Brings Focus to Overdose Prevention

The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with a weeklong tribute commencing on August 25, leading to the official observance on Sunday, August 31. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about overdoses, honor those lost, and advocate for evidence-informed strategies to prevent further incidents."Overdose transcends boundaries—it impacts families, friends, and communities throughout Jefferson County," stated Dr. David Hicks, Health Officer of Jefferson County. "By recognizing IOAD, we honor those we have lost while also advocating for those we can still save. Our community partners and team are committed to decreasing overdose fatalities and ensuring universal access to life-saving resources such as naloxone."In remembrance, purple flags were displayed on JCDH’s Central Health Center lawn, each symbolizing a life lost to overdose in Jefferson County last year. To enhance community solidarity, Birmingham City Hall was illuminated in purple, joining a global effort to support affected families.Committed to overdose prevention, JCDH offers complimentary naloxone (Narcan) kits and training. Since 2024, over 20,000 opioid overdose kits have been provided to local residents, contributing to a significant reduction in opioid-related deaths.For further details on JCDH’s overdose prevention initiatives or to request free naloxone, please visit JCDH.org/naloxone.