Contents:

Intro | Take Action | Stickers | Media | Resources | Press Inquiries

The Overdose Crisis

In 2006, more than 26,000 American lives were lost to the preventable tragedy of accidental drug overdose. This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded, more than doubling in just the past five years. This crisis now claims more lives each year than firearms, homicides or AIDS. Accidental drug overdose is now the number one cause of injury related death in the United States for people between the ages of 35-54, as well as a leading cause of death for people of all ages. Prescription opioid painkillers like Vicodin, Oxycontin and methadone are driving the growing numbers of deaths every year. DPA is leading the national effort to help save lives by promoting sensible solutions and better policy at the state and federal level.

Drug Policy Alliance released a comprehensive new report, Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives, which assesses the crisis and recommends a range of solutions. Representative Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) recently introduced the Drug Overdose Reduction Act, which would steer government resources toward the goal of reducing accidental drug overdose deaths.

Drug Policy Alliance also initiated its Purple Ribbons for Overdose Prevention campaign. This national effort to raise awareness about the urgency of the overdose crisis kicked off with the launch of our Purple Ribbons for Overdose Prevention Facebook Cause. Over 7,000 members from around the world now share information and get involved in making a difference.

Take Action

• Sign the petition  to demand federal action on overdose prevention
• Make a call  to support the Drug Overdose Reduction Act.
• Donate to support DPA’s overdose prevention efforts

Stickers

• Get your FREE Purple Ribbons for Overdose Prevention sticker
• Join the Purple Ribbons Facebook cause

Media

• Articles by DPA staff about the overdose crisis:

Jill Harris: "Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives"

Meghan Ralston and Isaac Skelton: "One Year Later: Heath Ledger's Tragic Overdose Death Reminds Us More Must Be Done"

• Deepak Chopra advocates naloxone availability

Additional Resources

• Read DPA's report: Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives
• Learn more about the Drug Overdose Reduction Act
• Read the CDC report on the overdose crisis 

For press inquiries only, contact:

Tony Newman
Director, Media Relations
212-613-8026, cell: 646-335-5384
email: tnewman@drugpolicy.org

Meghan Ralston
Overdose Prevention Specialist
213-382-6400 ext. 2, cell: 323-681-5224
email: mralston@drugpolicy.org