International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. St. Matthew’s House is on the front lines of this heartbreaking battle every day and works closely with the David Lawrence Center and NCH Healthcare System to help prevent overdoses in Southwest Florida.

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, provisional data show that 105,452 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. during the 12-month period ending December 2022. Statistics available from the National Center for Drug Abuse note that there are more than 5,000 overdose deaths per year in Florida.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end drug overdose, to remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. The 2023 theme, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” honors people whose lives have been altered by overdose.

St. Matthew’s House CEO Steve Brooder urges the public to become educated about the impact of drug addiction and how to support the fight against illegal substances as well as the overuse of opioids. “Addiction can happen to anyone of any age, income level or walk of life. Today’s more potent and deadlier drugs have a profound impact not only on those whose lives are damaged, destroyed and even lost to drugs but to our society as a whole.”

A Memorial Wall at the St. Matthew’s House Campbell Lodge homeless shelter in Naples lists the names of those who have tried to find sobriety but passed away from an overdose. Addiction recovery is a continuing journey, and many have overcome their addictions with the help of the St. Matthew’s House Justin’s Place 12 month, 12-step faith-based recovery program. 

In June, Justin’s Place celebrated its 40th graduation ceremony with a graduating class of 28 men and women who successfully completed the program. St. Matthew’s house now has established a Justin’s Place Alumni program to provide opportunities for graduates to gather and be supported in their recovery. 

More than 800 men and women have successfully completed the Justin’s Place program since it was started in 2010 with a generous donation from Bruce and Jeri Holecek made in memory of their son Justin Holecek who struggled with alcoholism. The Holecek Family Foundation has partnered with St. Matthew's House to provide the life-saving programs of Justin's Place to those struggling with addiction.

For information on St. Matthew’s House, visit www.stmatthewshouse.org. For information on International Overdose Awareness Day visit www.overdoseday.com.