National Harm Reduction Announces First Official ‘Artists Against Overdose’ Virtual Concert For International Overdose Awareness Day

National Harm Reduction’s first-ever International Overdose Awareness Day Virtual Concert, Monday, August 31st. Partnering with Musicians For Overdose Prevention, this mini-concert will feature 20 artists streaming short performances from around the globe, in order to raise funds for Harm Reduction Coalition’s national harm reduction work, including overdose prevention, policy, and program training. Some of the artists already announced include Speedy Ortiz, Diet Cig, Esther Rose, Partner, Top Nachos, Anjimile, Tongues of Fire, and Rich Girls, with many more to come in the coming days. The event will stream live on FaceBook.

What is International Overdose Awareness Day?

International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event that aims to raise awareness that overdose death is preventable and to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related death.

What are NHRC’s goal?

• To raise awareness about overdose and prevention strategies
• To raise support for harm reduction programs across the nation
• To shine a light on artists that support the work we do

Exclusive quote from Nancy Nwaifejokwu, NHR Director of Development:

“As you know, the past few years have been devastating for the music industry, after losing some of the world’s most beloved artists to drug overdoses. Accidental drug overdoses can happen to anyone at any time. With the recent passing of many well-known artists, it is painfully clear that musicians are susceptible to overdose too.

Like millions of people around the world, musicians use drugs for a variety of reasons. Some use substances recreationally, while others use to cope with stress or other external factors. Some people use drugs to relieve physical pain or manage symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Whatever the reason, stigma and shame surrounding substance use often cause people to use it in secret thus increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

National Harm Reduction works to shift the stigma around drug use and prevent overdose. On, August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day we are working with musicians worldwide to raise awareness and support for harm reduction programs across the nation. It is especially important that during this time we remember around the world who are isolated and are unable to access supplies.”