The time is now…

Welsh Overdose Awareness Day is a national campaign held every year to remember those we’ve lost to drug overdose, support those left behind, and take action to prevent further deaths. This year’s theme — “The time is now…” — is a powerful call for change. It reminds us that we already have the evidence, tools, and compassion needed to save lives. What’s missing, are a range of evidenced-based interventions. Overdose deaths are preventable. Together, we can reduce harm, challenge stigma, and create safer communities across Wales.

Why This Matters

Drug-related deaths remain one of the most urgent public health challenges in Wales. Based on the recent Office for National Statistics data, drug poisoning related deaths, and drug misuse related deaths are the highest on record. Each death can be avoided through timely support, access to harm reduction tools, and evidence-based policies

Every life lost is one too many. The time is now to act with compassion, courage, and evidence.

This Year’s Focus

In 2025, we’re highlighting five key interventions that can save lives and strengthen our response across Wales:

🧭 1. The Drug Overdose Good Samaritan Act (DOGSA)

When someone overdoses, witnesses often hesitate to call for help out of fear of arrest.
A Good Samaritan law would protect people who call 999 in an emergency — ensuring no one dies because of hesitation or fear.
Evidence shows such laws increase emergency calls and reduce preventable deaths.

🏠 2. Enhanced Harm Reduction Centres (EHRCs)

EHRCs, alternatively known drug consumption rooms, are supervised spaces where people can use drugs under supervision, with trained staff on hand to respond to overdoses.
These facilities exist in many countries and are proven to reduce overdose deaths, connect people to services, and improve community safety.
The time is now for Wales to introduce Enhanced Harm Reduction Centres.

💉 3. Diamorphine Assisted Treatment (DAT)

For people who haven’t benefited from traditional opioid substitution treatment, diamorphine (heroin) assisted treatment offers another pathway to stability and recovery.
Studies across Europe and the UK show improved health, reduced illicit use, and lower crime rates among participants.
When first-line options fail — the time is now for a second chance.

📦 4. Naloxone Click & Deliver

Naloxone reverses opioid overdose and saves lives.
Barod already leads the way in Wales with its free online Click & Deliver service, ensuring anyone can access a kit discreetly, regardless of where you live in Wales.
We’re calling for even more people to be aware of, and carry, naloxone — because the time is now to get naloxone into as many hands as possible.

🔥 5. Safer Inhalation Devices (SIDs)

Providing SIDs to people who use crack cocaine, reduces the risk of injury and infection, encourages safer use, and supports people to engage with services.
This simple, low-cost intervention saves lives and reduces harm — the time is now to allow the dissemination of SIDs via needle and syringe programmes.

Get Involved

Everyone has a role to play in preventing overdose deaths. Here’s how you can support the campaign:

• 🕯️ Remember: Light a candle or share a photo in memory of someone lost to overdose.

• 📣 Share: Use our free social media assets and spread the message that The time is now.

• 💬 Learn: Find out more about harm reduction and how to use naloxone. You can order your free naloxone kit here.

• 🤝 Act: Support policies and services that save lives — compassion first, stigma never.

All campaign materials, including downloadable graphics and information packs, are available here (Link coming soon)

#WOAD25