International Overdose Awareness Day
31 August
Senbazuru is the Japanese art of folding 1,000 paper cranes. It is said that if you fold 1,000 paper cranes and make a wish, it will come true.
The ATDC is calling on members of the Tasmanian community to help fold origami cranes to raise awareness and remember Tasmanians lost to overdose.
Drug overdose continues to impact Tasmanians of all backgrounds – with more than one person lost every week to overdose across Tasmania.
Be a part of ending overdose. How many origami cranes can you fold?
How to get involved
Fold a crane
- Learn how to fold an origami crane (click here for instructions or come to a free online crane folding session on 22 August)
- In the leadup to International Overdose Awareness Day, display your cranes at home or in your workplace – they are a great conversation starter!
- Hold a crane folding session with friends, family, or workmates, then save the cranes to add to the artwork in your region on 31 August.
Talk about overdose
- It can be uncomfortable to talk about, but knowing the signs of overdose and knowing the risks is important – talking about overdose can save a life.
- Share photos of your cranes on social media #EndOverdose #OverdoseAware #IOAD2022 @OverdoseDay @atdctas
Attend an event on 31 August
- On International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August, come to an event in Devonport, Launceston or nipaluna/Hobart.
- Bring your cranes (or learn to fold on the day) and add them to the art installation.
- Pre-folded cranes will be available on the day so everyone can be part of creating the art installation.
- You’ll hear from special guest speakers and we will mark a minute’s silence to remember those we have lost to overdose.
Events 31 August 2022
nipaluna/Hobart
Mawson Place Waterside Pavilion, Argyle St
10:00am to 4:00pm
Doors open : 10:00am
Formalities commence : 11:00am-11:30am
Lived Experience Presentation :12:15pm
(please note updated times)
Launceston
The Chapel, Launceston City Mission
46 Frederick Street
1:00pm to 2:30pm
(please note updated time)
Devonport
Anglicare
31 King Street, Devonport
11:30am-1:30pm
(please note updated time)
Over ten thousand origami cranes were folded by Tasmanians in 2019 and 2020 to raise awareness of the risks of overdose, commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day.
View the mosaicFrequently asked questions
How do I make an origami crane? Click here for instructions or come to a free online crane folding session on 25 July, 8 August or 22 August
What can I use to make an origami crane? Origami paper is the easiest to fold, however, all you need is a flat, foldable square of any size. You can try things such as copy paper, newspaper, wrapping paper, fabric, thin plastic, cellophane or even fabric.
Where can I get origami paper?
Pick up FREE origami paper packs at the following locations:
- ATDC, 175 Collins Street, Hobart
- City Mission, 48 Frederick Street, Launceston
- Anglicare Tasmania, 31 King St, Devonport
- YFCC, 129 Wilson Street, Burnie
You can buy paper from many retailers around Tasmania or online, look for stationery, art supplies or even discount stores.
What do I do with my crane? Display your crane(s) in your home or workplace to acknowledge International Overdose Awareness Day. Have you displayed your cranes in a creative way? Share your ideas with us!
Upload photos of cranes to social media using the hashtags #EndOverdose #OverdoseAware #IOAD2022 @OverdoseDay @atdctas
Bring folded cranes to your local community event in Devonport, Launceston or nipaluna/Hobart on International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 and contribute to your region’s artwork.
Where can I see the artworks? Events will be held in Devonport, Launceston and nipaluna/Hobart on 31 August 2022.
Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our eNews to get the latest on community events in your area.
How can I help get the word out? Help promote Overdose Day with these resources
Tributes
How do I share a tribute? This year the ATDC isn’t requesting tributes, but you can submit a tribute to someone through the global International Overdose Awareness Campaign here.
What happened to the 2020 tributes? 2020 tributes were collated in a memorial to all those affected by overdose, and shared along with the online display of cranes on International Overdose Awareness Day Monday 31 August 2020. You can view them on our website here.
Are you looking for help and support services for alcohol, tobacco or other drugs in Tasmania?
Questions?
For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day or any of our other projects and activities, please get in touch!
Contact the ATDC
