Sonia Hornery MP is asking people to take a moment tomorrow to remember victims of overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day. She notes that overdose deaths are honored worldwide on this day to raise awareness and prevent further deaths. Hornery also acknowledges professionals who work daily with overdose issues and urges making rehabilitation more accessible. She encourages wearing a badge and discussing this important issue that impacts everyone.

1. SONIA HORNERY MP
MEMBER FOR WALLSEND
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
TAKE A MOMENT TO REMEMBER OVERDOSE VICTIMS
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP, has asked that people in the
community take a moment tomorrow to think of the victims of overdose
and the grief of families that have lost loved ones to overdose.
"Tomorrow, August 31, is the eleventh annual International Overdose
Awareness Day, a day on which the memory of countless numbers of
people who have died from overdose, is honoured throughout the world.
This important day is also about increasing awareness and trying to
prevent further deaths.
"It is also important to acknowledge the invaluable work of the
professionals who work with these issues on a daily basis.
"One of the things Governments can do is make rehabilitation more
accessible more quickly.
"In Melbourne last year the number of ambulance calls for drugs
exceeded call-outs for alcohol use, which used to be the most common
form of emergency.
"I urge you to get involved, wear a badge and talk to your loved ones
about this vital issue, as it impacts on everyone in the community", Ms
Hornery said.
To donate or to get more information, go to: www.overdoseday.com
Contact: Office Manager, Marjorie 4950 0955 or Sonia (24 hours/7 days)
Date: 30 August 2012