MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
Q8312018 (573) 526-6115

August 31, 2018
EMPHASIS: Patrol Participates In International Overdose Awareness Day

Captain John J. Hotz, director of the Public Information and Education Division, encourages the public to join the Patrol and the National Safety Council in recognizing and taking part in International Overdose Awareness Day.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held August 31 each year. It is dedicated to remembrance, awareness, education, and action that will help eliminate overdose deaths. As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Patrol will work to increase awareness and educate the public about the preventable tragedy of overdose deaths. Two new educational brochures are being released August 31, 2018, to increase awareness to the issues of overdose deaths and substance use disorders. “The Opioid Epidemic & Missouri” and “Substance Use Disorders: Are You At Risk?” brochures are available through the public information and education officer at your local troop headquarters or on the Patrol’s website.

Preventing substance use disorders will require collaboration between public health and public safety officials. Troopers are dedicated to this effort through a combination of prevention, education, enforcement, and treatment.

"We hope to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of substance use disorders," said Sergeant Shawn Griggs of the Patrol's Division of Drug & Crime Control, when asked about International Overdose Awareness Day. "We believe education will help empower people to make safer choices and, in turn, prevent substance use disorders and deaths due to overdose. Every Missouri trooper carries informational cards listing free resources and treatment options for substance use disorders. If you are struggling due to being dependent on a substance, there are resources available and people who want to help."


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