JOLT Foundation holds space for International Overdose Awareness Day

PEORIA (25News Now) -Every year on Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time for people to hold space for loved ones who have passed from an overdose.

Peoria expert on drug intervention reminds people that overdose impacts people from across the globe, especially in the United States, and to have a day of remembrance for those who have passed is in important.

“Locally, it provides people an opportunity to get together with those who are local, who have also lost loved ones or who are doing this kind of wo as well and are impacted by it,” said Chris Schaffner, executive director for JOLT in Peoria.

“It gives them a chance to be together, gives us an opportunity to hold space for each other by providing opportunities to engage in community care for sharing grief that is really unique to losing someone to an overdose.”

Schaffner added that safe spaces are needed because there is still stigma that surrounds those who use drugs.

While there is space for mourning, he also gives possible warning signs to look out for if someone is in danger of an overdose.

If a loved one has changed supplier, their mood changes and they become more irritable, they have interrupted sleep patterns or appetite, relationships change and they become more avoidant, and/or irrational need for money.

If someone you know is experiencing an overdose, you should call 911.

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