The 25th annual International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31. This year’s theme is "25 Years On. Still Needed."

Overdoses are down across the country and in particular here in Michigan. Although numbers are trending down, education, the distribution of Narcan kits and peer recovery groups remain top priority for local organizations. 

Oakland County saw a 37% decrease in overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024. Part of the reason for that success is owed to the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. The alliance launched in 2003 with support of Oakland Counties Office of Substance Abuse Services.

Jonathon Maxgay is an overdose prevention specialist with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities.

Maxgay joined The Metro to talk more about the 25th International Overdose Awareness Day and how he’s personally been impacted by substance abuse.