Dolan Commemorates Third Annual Overdose Awareness Day

COLUMBUS—State Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) today commemorated Ohio’s third annual Overdose Awareness Day. The August 31st observance of Overdose Awareness Day is followed by September’s National Recovery Month, to celebrate individuals in recovery and highlight the importance of substance use treatments and mental health services.

Championed by Dolan in 2021, Senate Bill 30 established Ohio Overdose Awareness Day to mark the importance of understanding the ongoing battle with the opioid epidemic, supporting communities in the fight against drug addiction, and remembering loved ones lost to the epidemic.  

In line with SB 30, Ohio will display all state flags at public institutions at half-staff in remembrance of the lives lost to the epidemic. Additionally, many local communities and agencies are holding various events and ceremonies in recognition of Ohio Overdose Awareness Day. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services compiled a list of 2023 Overdose Awareness Day Events in Ohio.  

“This day is sad but unfortunately necessary. We must remember those we have lost and the families that have been shattered due to drug overdoses. If we do not remember our loved ones, we will not be motivated to end this epidemic,” said Senator Dolan. “No neighborhood is immune to the threat of addiction and overdose, and we must maintain our focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery programs statewide. It is essential that we continue investing in our crisis care services and combat barriers to treatment.”

In the last several years, the Ohio Senate has made significant investments to support Ohioans struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, including the $90M investment of American Rescue Plan Act funds to strengthen local behavioral health crisis response services and infrastructure. Additionally, the recently passed budget prioritizes growing our behavioral health workforce, ensuring accessibility to crisis services providers, expanding quality Recovery Housing across the state, and building capacity for crisis care. 

To learn more about Ohio’s work to address opioid addiction, visit recoveryohio.gov. If you or a loved one need help, please call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. For information and statistics on overdose deaths and other substance-use-related measures for all 88 Ohio counties, visit the State of Ohio Integrated Behavioral Health Dashboard.