HSE Media Release
21 August, 2024
The HSE’s Waterford HSE Substance Misuse Services are to mark International Overdose Awareness Day by holding an information event on Awareness and Information on Overdose and Overdose Prevention.
The HSE team, in partnership with the South East Family Support Network, will be hosting a stand from 2 to 4pm on Wednesday 28 of August in the Central Library (Lady Lane, Waterford X91 V045), where information will be available towards creating an awareness of overdose, the responses to overdose and the supports available to individuals or families affected by overdose.
#IOAD - International Overdose Awareness Day (observed on August 31 every year) - seeks to create a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. This year the HSE’s Waterford Substance Misuse Services were keen to mark the event by providing education and awareness to service users, their families and also to the wider community.
Nationally, the HSE National Social Inclusion Office will also be running an event on Friday the 30 of August as part of the world’s annual campaign to raise awareness of drug-related overdose. People can join this online event to help end overdose, remember those who have died without stigma and acknowledge the grief experienced by family and friends left behind. The theme for the 2024 event is, “Together We Can”. Please go to International Overdose Awareness Day (drugs.ie) for further details on this and other overdose resources.
A range of resources on substance misuse (including in several languages) is available on the HSE’s Drugs.ie.
The HSE’s Drugs and Alcohol Helpline can also be contacted on its confidential free-phone helpline on 1800 459 459 (from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm).
You can e-mail the Drugs and Alcohol Helpline at any time at helpline@hse.ie. You can also leave a voice-mail message to ask for a call back or e-mail requesting a call back too. More information is available: HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline.
Last updated on: 21 / 08 / 2024
