Hillcrest Futures relaunches ODnotMe campaign for International Overdose Awareness Day
Scottish charity Hillcrest Futures has unveiled four new posters as part of its ongoing ODnotMe campaign. The posters, developed by the charity’s harm reduction service, were launched as part of promotions for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with an aim to raise awareness of drug-related deaths in Scotland.
The ODnotMe campaign was initially launched in 2018 to raise awareness that 90% of drug overdoses are preventable by recognising the signs of overdose and using Naloxone. The campaign has become an essential part of the effort to reduce drug deaths.
The new posters address current drug trends and the shifting patterns in Scotland’s drug death statistics. They highlight four key areas: the increasing age of those experiencing fatal overdoses, the rise in female drug-related deaths, the growing trend of polydrug use, and the stigma surrounding drug use. The posters also emphasise the importance of Naloxone in saving lives.
Danny Kelly, Operations Manager at Hillcrest Futures explains: “The launch of these new posters is vital in helping us stay up to date with the changing landscape of drug use and its consequences. The posters were designed with valuable input from the people we support, ensuring that the information is both relevant and impactful.
“By focusing on these specific issues, we want to provide clear, relevant information that will make a difference not just for those using drugs, but for their families, carers and the wider community.”
IOAD, observed on the 31st of August each year, aims to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and commemorate the grief experienced by families and communities. The theme for 2024, “Together We Can,” emphasises the strength of community support in tackling these challenges.
John Booth, Director of Hillcrest Futures, adds: “IOAD is about more than just statistics. It’s about recognising that substance use impacts everyone in our community. By coming together, we can work towards reducing drug-related deaths and supporting those affected. Our ODnotMe campaign is a crucial part of that effort.”
To mark IOAD 2024, Hillcrest Futures collaborated with partnering organisations to host various events in Dundee, Perth and Angus throughout the week. These included recovery cafes, awareness raising stalls in city centres, harm reduction advice sessions, and Naloxone training and distribution.
For more information about the ODnotMe campaign and Naloxone, please visit https://hillcrest.org.uk/hillcrest-futures/our-services/substance-use/odnotme/.