Maren Wright Voss News Today

By Julene Reese International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on Aug. 31, recognizes those who have died from an overdose and acknowledges the grief of the family and friends left behind. The awareness day focuses on ways to provide support, education and understanding of what has become a public health crisis. Maren Wright Voss, USU

“A Light to Remember” will be a luminary celebration of remembrance for loved ones and community members who have died from overdose. There will be events around the state on August 31.

By Julene Reese International Overdose Awareness Day, held annually on Aug. 31, recognizes those who have died from an overdose and acknowledges the grief of the family and friends left behind. The campaign focuses on ways to provide support, education and understanding for what has become a public health crisis. Maren Wright Voss, USU Extension

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are the most commonly misused drugs by Americans over age 14.

By Tim Keady, Extension Assistant Professor and USU Health and Wellness Team Member According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are the most commonly misused drugs by Americans over age 14. Opioids can be natural, such as heroin; semi-synthetic, such as oxycodone, and synthetic, such as fentanyl. Opiates, including morphine, heroin and codeine,

The Centers for Disease Control released a report this week stating that, for the first time, the number of overdose deaths in the United States was over 100,000 in a 12-month period.