International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event, held annually on August 31 that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends, remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of a drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

The ONA Purple Ribbon Campaign will lead up to this date with various education and information shared via social media, posters, as well as face to face handing out and promoting the purple ribbon.