President's Message

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT
LA-CAMFT President

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31st, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of drug overdose. This global event serves as a platform to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones to overdose. By highlighting the growing crisis of drug-related deaths, the day seeks to educate the public on the risks of drug use and promote policies that can help prevent overdose incidents. Various organizations and communities worldwide hold events, such as memorial services, educational programs, and community outreach, to commemorate the lives lost and spread critical information about overdose prevention and harm reduction.

The significance of International Overdose Awareness Day extends beyond remembrance. It is a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to confront the stigma associated with drug use and addiction.

Stigmatization often prevents people from seeking help, exacerbating the risk of overdose. By fostering an open dialogue about the realities of addiction, the day encourages a more compassionate and informed approach to addressing the issue. It emphasizes the importance of access to treatment and support services, advocating for evidence-based strategies to reduce harm and save lives.

Strength is a recurring theme in the narratives surrounding International Overdose Awareness Day. The strength to break the silence and talk about addiction, the strength to seek help, and the strength to support others through their struggles are all vital components of the day’s message. It highlights the resilience of those in recovery and the courage of families and friends who fight to bring attention to the crisis. By uniting people in their shared experiences and collective efforts to combat overdose, International Overdose Awareness Day stands as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Jennifer Stonefield, LMFT, is Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She’s always had a passion for psychology and going on the therapeutic journey with her clients reminds her of this every day. She has a wide array of clinical experience ranging from working with children in an educational setting to those suffering from dementia to individual work in several group, private practices where age holds no boundaries. She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer applies a person-centered approach when working with clients, as she believes that a “one size fits all” approach simply won’t cut it.