Pilbara lights up purple for International Overdose Awareness Day

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Pilbara is taking a proactive approach to International Overdose Awareness Day by lighting up prominent buildings in the region purple.

On 31 August the South Hedland Water Tower and The Red Earth Art Centre will glow purple as WACHS partners with the City of Karratha, Town of Port Hedland and WA Water Corporation.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global initiative to reduce the stigma of overdose related deaths and create change to reduce the harms associated with drug use.

WACHS Pilbara A/Director of Population Heath Sam Lazarus said the Pilbara team hoped to prompt conversations on drug use in the Pilbara to raise awareness on overdose in the region.

“As a striking visual, the purple buildings will be an obvious talking point in the community, sparking conversations on overdose and the resources available in the region,” he said.

“Overdose deaths are preventable; at WA Country Health Service we provide support and treatment options to all our community members through our Pilbara Public Health Clinic.

WACHS Pilbara Public Health team provide harm reduction programs to help prevent drug-related deaths such as overdose, including a needle exchange program and participating in the National Take Home Naloxone Program.

Naloxone is a drug which temporarily reverse the effects of drug overdose, allowing patients time to seek further treatment.

“By opening the conversation, we also hope it reduces the stigma in asking our Public Health team for help,” Mr Lazarus added.

“WA Country Health Service has developed strong partnership with community agencies in the Pilbara to help direct patients struggling gain active treatment in the region and close to home.”