Remember. Support. Prevent.
Every year on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day brings us together to remember those we have lost to overdose, support the families and friends who continue to miss them, and help prevent others from experiencing the same loss.
Every person lost was someone who mattered; a family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor. This day gives us a chance to honor their lives with compassion and without judgment or stigma.
It also reminds us that prevention begins long before a crisis. It starts with honest conversations, helpful information, strong community connections, and making sure people know where they can turn for support.
At Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), prevention is an important part of the care we provide. Our Prevention and Community Initiatives Department works alongside community members to address the impact of alcohol and other drugs. Through education, skill-building, substance-free activities, community involvement, neighborhood assessments, and civic participation, the team helps create safer and healthier communities.
Through the following programs, SMRS works alongside communities to provide education, resources, and support where they are needed most:
- United Coalition East Prevention Project (UCEPP) (Los Angeles, CA)
UCEPP works alongside community partners to reduce substance use by fostering community connection through education, advocacy, and neighborhood-led prevention efforts. - Community Centered Emergency Room Project (CCERP) (Los Angeles, CA)
CCERP advances community-level prevention by addressing the social and environmental factors of substance use and poor health among people experiencing homelessness. - Skid Row Action Plan (SRAP) (Los Angeles, CA)
SRAP works to advance systems change in Skid Row by strengthening service coordination and improving health and housing outcomes through meaningful community engagement and leadership. - Skid Row Care Campus (Los Angeles, CA)
The Skid Row Care Campus provides centralized access to health, mental health, substance use, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. - Maple Health Hub (Los Angeles, CA)
Offers a safe drop-in space, community respite beds, harm reduction supplies, and non-acute clinical health services for Skid Row residents. - Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot (Los Angeles, CA)
ReFresh Spot offers hygiene services, basic necessities, and connections to care for people experiencing homelessness. - City of LA Collaborative for Substance Use Care (Los Angeles, CA)
This collaborative strengthens Leads street-based engagement efforts to improve access to substance use treatment and coordinated care for people experiencing homelessness. ( - NCADD Prevention (Pomona/Covina, CA)
Delivers community-based prevention services focused on educating, engaging, and empowering youth, individuals, and families through evidence-informed approaches.
SMRS also supports individuals and families through residential, outpatient, and co-occurring treatment services. Prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support give us more opportunities to reach people before a crisis and help them take the next step forward.
This International Overdose Awareness Day, take a moment to learn, listen, and talk about substance use with compassion. Sharing helpful resources or simply reaching out to someone can make a difference. One caring conversation could help someone feel less alone and take the first step toward getting support.
SMRS: LEARN ABOUT SMRS PREVENTION SERVICES
