International Overdose Awareness Day is observed on August 31 each year to raise awareness of the public health crisis of substance misuse and overdose. Our theme this year was Driven by Hope, a reminder that the work being done in our community is making a difference. The momentum must continue.
Data collected by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner show the stark impact the overdose crisis has had on our community. When RISE Drug Free MKE began observing International Overdose Awareness Day in 2017, the 401 people died as a result of overdose in Milwaukee County. The number of fatal overdoses increased sharply with the widespread presence of fentanyl, peaking in 2022 with 674 deaths from all substances in Milwaukee County. Fortunately, there was a significant drop in overdose deaths in 2023, to 652, and in 2024, to 450 fatal overdoses.
While the statistics should leave us feeling optimistic, there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We’re encouraged that fewer individuals and families are harmed by these highly lethal substances in our community, thanks to an all-hands-on deck effort to provide materials to prevent overdose, treat overdose, and help people get into recovery,” said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, the Chair of the RISE Drug Free MKE Coalition. “But we don’t want to become complacent, and we absolutely support people who are grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling with substance issues.”
International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 Resource Guide
Additional Resources and Fact Sheets
- CDC Overdose Prevention
- Helping a Loved One Dealing with Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders: Starting the Conversation
- IOAD Overdose Prevention
- Milwaukee County Harm Reduction Vending Machines
- Milwaukee County Overdose Data
- Milwaukee Prevention Journal
- SAMHSA's 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Setting Boundaries with Alcohol and Other Drugs Campaign
- Think a Family Member Has a Substance Use Disorder?
Resource Guide
