Amy Sohlman: Dismayed by silence on International Overdose Awareness Day

To The Daily Sun,

After being dismayed by the lack of coverage for the International Overdose Awareness Day event held on Aug. 31 at Rotary Park in Laconia, for the second consecutive year, I felt compelled to write in to The Laconia Daily Sun.

According to DEA.gov, “August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms. The campaign raises awareness of overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policy.” According to New Hampshire Vital Records, there were 434 NH residents who died from drug overdoses in 2023, with 26 of them being Belknap County residents.

On a sunny and warm Sunday afternoon on the last day in August, many local organizations, members of the community and loved ones of those we’ve lost gathered in Rotary Park to remember those gone. The pictures of individuals — young and old that passed away due to addiction and overdoses lined the river walkway and carnations to represent each life lost filled the river. Each one was someone’s son, daughter, mother, father, grandchild and friend. There was also a multitude of resources, education and support available to those still struggling and also to family members and friends trying to save their loved ones from becoming another statistic.

Except for a few social media posts, nothing was advertised about the event, which is somewhat surprising given the prevalence of addiction-related issues in our community. Perhaps, in the future, more attention and awareness could be brought to this event in Laconia and International Overdose Awareness Day, in general.

Amy Sohlman

Laconia