Summary of International Overdose Awareness Day

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Every year, more and more people die from overdoses, and in 2020 and 2021, fentanyl has been a major contributor to these deaths. To prevent these deaths, harm reduction strategies like distributing naloxone are important, but the stigma around substance use disorder is a major obstacle to prevention.

• 00:00:00 In 2020, 12 young people died in San Diego County due to fentanyl overdoses, and in 2021, the influx of illicit street fentanyl has caused 1303 deaths in the county. To prevent these deaths, harm reduction strategies such as distributing naloxone and establishing vending machines for the drug have become increasingly important. Stigma around substance use disorder is a major obstacle to prevention, and everyone can start a recovery journey by embracing the services that work.