International Overdose Awareness Day: Vilnius bridges glow purple
For decades, every year on 31 August, the world has celebrated International Overdose Awareness Day, commemorating those who have lost their lives due to an overdose of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and remembering their families and friends who are going through the pain of loss. On the evening of the day, on the Department's initiative, the Vilnius bridges were illuminated in purple.
"The use of new synthetic opioids with extremely potent effects is a growing concern in the Baltic States. Many premature deaths can be prevented if the right help is available in time. This is why we need to talk about it", says Gražina Belian, Interim Head of the Department.
In Lithuania, in 2022, there were 87 deaths directly caused by the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, with an average age of 39 years. The number of these deaths has increased by as much as 40% per year.
Lithuania's drug overdose deaths are about 1.5 times the EU average.
Overdose affects people and communities in many ways.
With our theme for 2023, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” we honor the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare and support services workers extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
To these people, we would like to say: #weseeyou. Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should serve as examples to us all. Too often, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence.
Last updated: 08-09-2023
Related news:
New legislation grants Europe stronger powers to tackle current and future drug problems