International Overdose Awareness Day
Wear silver or purple, attend an event or seminar, and help raise awareness about the prevalence of overdoses and how such events can destroy families.
- Australia
- Canada
- International
- and 1 more
August 31 2021 Holidays
- National days
- 13
- Day of the year
- Days since
- 1833
Your guide to celebrating August 31 2021
Skip to all 13 daysAugust 31 brings 16 observances, led by International Overdose Awareness Day, with a thoughtful focus on remembrance, stigma-free learning, and practical support.
Begin with a name and a little quiet
Set aside 15 minutes before the day gets noisy. If you are remembering someone, write their name on a card, tuck it into a notebook, or place it beside a photograph. Wear a small purple or silver ribbon, pin, or item of clothing as a visible sign of remembrance. There is no need to explain it to anyone. If a friend or family member has been affected by overdose, send a simple message: “I’m thinking of you today.” Keep the focus on listening rather than asking them to tell a story they may not want to revisit. A quiet cup of coffee, a walk around the block, or a shared meal gives you a gentle setting for that check-in.
Make room for useful information
Give one practical task 20 minutes. Read the official International Overdose Awareness Day resources, then save the local emergency number and the address of the nearest pharmacy in your phone. Ask that pharmacy whether it carries naloxone and what training or local rules apply where you live. If someone is unconscious, breathing very slowly, or cannot be woken, call emergency services right away. Learning those basics replaces rumor and judgment with preparedness. Put a reminder on your calendar to check the expiration date if you obtain naloxone, and store it according to package instructions. A pharmacist can explain how to access it locally.
Close the day with care
At dusk, light a candle in a stable holder and stay with it for a few minutes, or sit outside without one if an open flame is not practical. You might play a song connected to the person you miss, make a donation to a local harm-reduction group, or put a supportive note in the mail. Keep any conversation plain and stigma-free. Overdose should never be used as a verdict on somebody’s worth. If you post a remembrance, use the person’s name only if you know they or their family would welcome that. A small act of attention is enough for one day.
National days and holidays on August 31 2021
International Overdose Awareness Day
Wear silver or purple, attend an event or seminar, and help raise awareness about the prevalence of overdoses and how such events can destroy families.
- Australia
- Canada
- International
- and 1 more
National Zoo Awareness Day
National Zoo Awareness Day encourages everyone to appreciate the beauty and importance of zoos. This day invites people to explore the wonders of wildlife and learn about the crucial role zoos play in conservation. When visiting zoos, families and friends can bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories. Zoos...
- Australia
- Canada
- International
- and 2 more
National Trail Mix Day
Go for the classic, or check out the bulk bins for a mix of nuts, fruits, and chocolate to craft your own trail mix, from cashews to filberts, craisins to apricots.
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States
We Love Memoirs Day
Delving into someone else's life story, wrapped in their adventures and life lessons, can be a captivating journey worth taking.
- International
- United Kingdom
- United States
National Eat Outside Day
Savor the sunshine while delighting in the scrumptious flavors of nature. Eating outside is a treat for the senses and the soul!
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States
World Distance Learning Day
Learning has never been so flexible, fast, and full of choices. World Distance Learning Day shines a spotlight on education without borders. No crowded classrooms or heavy bags—just a screen, a spark of curiosity, and the tools to grow. People everywhere tap into lessons from across the globe, often without leaving...
- United States
National Matchmaker Day
National Matchmaker Day is a delightful occasion that celebrates the individuals who bring people together. Whether they're professionals or just friends who enjoy playing Cupid, matchmakers help create love stories. This day is dedicated to those who work behind the scenes to connect hearts, reminding us of the importance of...
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States
International Day for People of African Descent
Honoring cultural richness, contributions, and resilience, amplifying voices and stories from the vibrant tapestry of African heritage.
- Congo - Kinshasa
- Ghana
- International
- and 5 more
National South Carolina Day
National South Carolina Day honors the rich heritage of the Palmetto State. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic shoreline, South Carolina's diverse landscapes tell tales of natural beauty. Its vibrant cities and quaint towns reflect a blend of cultures and traditions, making it a unique tapestry of American...
- United States
World Stop Sign Day
With the slogan, “STOP when you have to stop”, this event is here to honor the important history of the stop sign and encourage those who might simply need to put on the brakes of their life. World Stop Day can help to promote healthy boundaries, remind humans of their...
- Canada
- International
- United Kingdom
- and 1 more
Love Litigating Lawyers Day
If you know a lawyer or, take this opportunity to give them a big thank you for the hard work they do, while often being stereotyped and joked about.
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- and 1 more
National Diatomaceous Earth Day
National Diatomaceous Earth Day celebrates one of nature’s quiet wonders—diatomaceous earth. This soft, chalky powder comes from ancient algae-like creatures called diatoms. Over time, their fossilized shells built up into thick layers beneath lakes and oceans. Today, this earthy dust helps with everything from keeping bugs out of gardens to...
- United States
Hari Merdeka
Hari Merdeka is a day when the Malayan people come together to celebrate independence. On this day, they feel a deep sense of pride and unity. Citizens reflect on the nation's journey and achievements. Vibrant parades and colorful displays fill the streets, and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. This day is...
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
Other holidays on August 31 2021
Artes Mundi
Artes Mundi is an exciting event that brings the world of contemporary art to life in Cardiff, Wales. Established in 2002, this international arts organization shines a spotlight on artists who engage deeply with social reality. Every two years, artists from around the globe gather to share their work, making...
- United Kingdom
Be Kind to Humankind Week
Genuine gestures illuminate hearts, weaving compassion into the fabric of everyday connections, fostering solidarity and empathy.
- United States
National Pizza Week
From its origins in southern Italy to making its way in the United States in the early 1900s, pizza has a rich and robust history that has made it a dish that is beloved literally all around the world. And National Pizza Week is here with seven full days to...
- United States
Month-long holidays in August
National Immunization Awareness Month
Guarding against preventable diseases, this medical shield protects lives, safeguards communities, and honors the value of health and well-being.
- United States
National Breastfeeding Month
Nurturing an intimate connection, this natural practice provides infants with essential nourishment, promoting health and bonding.
- United States
National Peach Month
Attend a peach festival, go peach picking, or bake some peach-based goodies to pay tribute to this fuzzy, juicy, oh-so-flavorful pitted fruit.
National Minority Donor Awareness Month
Increasing access to life-saving transplants by promoting organ donation awareness and addressing disparities in minority communities.
- United States
Famous birthdays on August 31 2021
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