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Overdose Awareness Day vigil held in Georgetown

September 21, 2016

The Sussex County Chapter of AtTAck Addiction held an International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil Aug. 31 at the Circle in Georgetown. A vigil was also held in all Kent and New Castle counties. Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from drug overdoses since 2001. On Aug. 31 thousands of people worldwide stood alongside the friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on those who have been lost.

The event is organized on the understanding that no one need feel shame or disgrace over a drug overdose. Overdose Awareness Day offers all who have been affected by overdose a chance to publicly mourn and help the wider community understand that fatal overdose profoundly affects mainstream society. 

The day also serves as a warning that not just illicit drugs can be dangerous and no one is immune to overdose. It also serves to educate the public and offer support for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and the families affected by addiction. With the number of fatalities from prescription drugs growing, the vigil August 31 was also a reminder that medicines are not always friends.

Painkillers and other pharmacy drugs play an important medical role but their careless use can have tragic longterm consequences.

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