International Overdose Awareness Day is observed worldwide every year on August 31. This annual event honors the memory of individuals who have died from drug overdoses, emphasizing the importance of overdose prevention. It was initiated in 2001 by Sally J Finn at The Salvation Army in Melbourne, Australia, and has been coordinated since 2012 by the Penington Institute, a non-profit organization focused on problematic substance use. Activities on this day include solemn remembrance ceremonies, lectures, seminars, and demonstrations, organized by various governmental organizations and NGOs. The observance aims to highlight drug overdoses as a leading cause of death among drug users and address issues related to drug use and its consequences.