International Overdose Awareness Day is Wednesday, Aug. 31.

The day was initiated in 2001 by Sally Finn with the Salvation Army in Melbourne Australia.

Today, International Overdose Awareness Day is the largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind.

It is also about taking real action to save lives.

Alcohol is a depressant and it is possible to overdose, usually from binge drinking.

Learn the real facts about alcohol and what to do when you see someone experiencing an alcohol overdose, most known as acute alcohol poisoning.

What are the signs of an alcohol poisoning?

Confusion, loss of coordination, seizures, you could choke on your own vomit. Acute alcohol poisoning could also stop your breathing and heart.

If you see someone who is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call for an ambulance, keep them warm and in a sitting up position (if awake).You may have to administer CPR.

For more information https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/ rochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose You can also contact the Kingfisher Community Collaborative Inc. to learn more about the efforts happening locally to prevent and decrease alcohol use.

To learn about the coalition, call 580-562-5004 and ask for Cheryl.

The Kingfisher Community Collaborative Inc, receives funds from a grant from the Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

The grant is administered by South Western Oklahoma Development Authority.

Resources:

• Oklahoma State Department of Health

• International Overdose Awareness Day/Penington Institute

• National Institute of Health/ National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( Ed. note: Megli is the coalition coordinator for the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority.)