Drug Disposal Events & Observances
Drug misuse prevention events and observances happen throughout the year. Use these key rallying moments to help raise awareness, promote local prevention efforts and encourage proper drug disposal to reduce the risk of misuse and overdoses.
NATIONAL FENTANYL PREVENTION AND AWARENESS DAY (AUG. 21)
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™ is established in remembrance of those lost to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to acknowledge the devastation this drug has brought to hundreds of thousands of affected family members and friends. This is a day of a coordinated response from fentanyl awareness organizations and affected families sharing their lived experiences as part of a whole group warning and informing our youth, the public, and the unsuspecting.
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OVERDOSE AWARENESS WEEK (AUG. 28-SEPT 3)
Overdose Awareness Week is a time to raise awareness of drug overdose, strengthen our efforts to prevent overdoses and substance-use related harms and deaths, and enhance our support for individuals with substance use disorders.
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INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY (AUG. 31)
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
During this observance, we work to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The ultimate goal of this observance is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
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PAIN AWARENESS MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
During Pain Awareness Month we work to raise public awareness around pain, pain management, and the great work pain professionals do during the month of September…and beyond.
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WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY (SEPT. 10)
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
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POLLUTION PREVENTION WEEK (SEPT. 18-22)
During Pollution Prevention Week we take steps to reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.
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WORLD RIVERS DAY (4th SUNDAY OF SEPT.)
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.
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WORLD PHARMACIST DAY (SEPT. 25)
World Pharmacists Day is a celebration of every pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, and others who are part of this field. Thus, it is not only a welcome event, but it is also a crucial holiday to honor the role these professionals play in improving global health outcomes.
YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH (OCTOBER)
In October, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is observing Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The need for prevention has never been greater. Studies show that the earlier in life a young person starts using alcohol or other drugs, the greater their lifetime risk of misuse or addiction.
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RED RIBBON WEEK (OCT. 23-31)
In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families.
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NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY (OCT. 28)
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
