Flags are flown at half-staff to mark a period of mourning and remembrance. It’s a recognition of tragedy, and brings comfort and honor to those experiencing grief. The federal government has yet to order flags to fly at half-staff to mark one of our nation’s greatest tragedies: the ongoing drug overdose crisis, which claimed over 1 million American lives between 1999 and 2022.^[1] Last year along, overdose deaths are estimated to be over 108,000.^[2]

Overdose Awareness Day is observed on August 31 to remember these lives lost to overdoses. Lowering the flags for Overdose Awareness Day would be an important and meaningful recognition of the day, honoring those who have died, as well as their loved ones.

Send the letter below to the White House and Office of National Drug Control Policy to request that the President direct Federal buildings to lower their flags to half-staff in support of Overdose Awareness Day to help bring attention to the national overdose crisis and honor the lives lost.