International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 remembers people who have died from drug overdose and supports families. It began in Australia in 2001 and is now marked globally.
About International Overdose Awareness Day
History & origins
International Overdose Awareness Day was first organized in Australia in 2001 and is observed on August 31. It remembers people lost to overdose and calls for prevention and compassion. It is not a U.S. federal holiday.
Why it matters
The day treats overdose as a public-health and grief issue, not a joke or a crime-only story.
How to celebrate
Wear silver, attend a local vigil if there is one, learn naloxone access where legal, and speak without stigma. This page is not medical advice.
Facts
- The day began in Australia in 2001
- August 31 is the international date
- It is broader than a single drug, unlike some fentanyl-specific U.S. dates
Upcoming dates
- Monday, August 31, 2026
- Tuesday, August 31, 2027
- Thursday, August 31, 2028
- Friday, August 31, 2029
- Saturday, August 31, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is International Overdose Awareness Day in 2026?
International Overdose Awareness Day in 2026 falls on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Where did it start?
Australia, in 2001.
Is it the same as Fentanyl Awareness Day?
No. August 21 is the U.S. fentanyl-focused date on this calendar; August 31 is the broader international overdose day.
How do you observe it?
Remember someone lost, support harm-reduction or treatment groups, learn local emergency resources.
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