NTAHC

31/08/2026

25 Years On. Still Needed.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.

For 25 years, communities around the world have come together to remember those we've lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief carried by families and friends, and take action to prevent future overdose deaths.

At NTAHC, we believe every life matters. Through harm reduction, education, access to free naloxone and non-judgemental support, we can help save lives and strengthen our communities.

Because while this day is still needed, it doesn't have to be forever.

💜 Learn more about our Harm Reduction services:
https://www.ntahc.org.au/harm-reduction-nsp

28/08/2026

“Evidence-based strategies and initiatives for overdose prevention

There are many evidence-based strategies and initiatives in place around the world to reduce overdose. Some examples of these are;
Naloxone or Narcan® distribution programs,
Safe consumption sites or safe injecting sites, which are known by many other names including overdose prevention centers (OPCs), ‘supervised consumption’, ‘supervised injecting’, ‘drug consumption’, or ‘medically supervised injecting’ sites, rooms or facilities,
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) which is also known as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), opioid substitution treatment or therapy (OST), or pharmacotherapy,
Needle and syringe programs, also known by needle and syringe exchange programs or syringe services programs (SSPs), many of which offer additional wrap-around social and health support services,
Drug checking or drug testing services which analyze drugs to uncover any potentially dangerous substances.
Depending on where they are located, such initiatives may be funded and delivered by governments, social service organisations and/or community groups. The level at which these programs and services are available to people who use drugs varies greatly from country to country.
It can be a good idea to know which programs and services for overdose prevention are in place where you live. Learn more through your local authorities, health services, or community organizations that support people who use drugs.”

overdoseday.com/overdose-prevention/

26/08/2026

“One of the best things you can do when it comes to ending overdose is knowing the signs.

Overdose symptoms vary based on the drug or combination of drugs used. Part of preventing fatal overdoses is about recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond for different kinds of overdose.

For example, a overdose might cause hot, flushed or sweaty skin and agitation or panic. While, an overdose might cause shallow breathing and you might hear unusual snoring or gurgling sounds. An overdose due to or could look different again.

If you ever think someone is experiencing an overdose, call emergency services immediately, stay on the line, and administer first aid if you can.

To help you be prepared, we've put together some about the signs of an overdose and how to respond based on different drugs.

You can download them here: https://www.overdoseday.com/overdose-basics/ “

24/08/2026

It’s time for governments to increase funding for Harm Reduction.

🌟 It's time for governments to step up and increase funding to harm reduction peer-to-peer services that support people who use drugs. Harm Reduction services, such as NSPs, are essential to save lives and foster safer communities. Join us in urging our leaders to provide the necessary resources to ensure all PWUD have access to the services and support they need. 💪❤️

24/08/2026

20/08/2026

Learn how Take Home Naloxone saves lives this International Overdose Awareness Day.

NTAHC Free Take Home Naloxone Program aims to get Naloxone into the hands of people who are likely to witness and respond to an accidental opioid overdose.
Naloxone is a safe lifesaving medication that may reverse an opioid overdose.

Naloxone can be accessed at one of NTAHCs Needle and Syringe programs (NSP) in Alice Springs, Palmerston or Darwin or at selected pharmacies.

Naloxone is available in a nasal spray with the name Nyxoid.

To access free Naloxone from NTAHC: Attend a NTAHC NSP and undergo a brief intervention where NSP staff will assess your competence to administer Naloxone and provide training on responding to an opioid overdose.

NSP staff will supply you with a Naloxone kit that consists of the nasal spray, instructions on responding to an opioid overdose, and an overdose first aid, quick reference fridge magnet.

18/08/2026

We can end stigma and discrimination of PWUD.

Stigma is the negative attitude.​ Discrimination is the behaviour.​
Dependence on illegal drugs has been ranked as the most stigmatised health condition globally, with alcohol dependence ranked as the fourth most stigmatised.

Everyone's experience is their own - it’s your choice how you identify and how you live your life. At the same time, consider what informs your attitudes towards all people who use drugs.​
​
We need to review all spaces and whether we are pulling each other up for exclusion or for using degrading language in our everyday lives, in our workplaces, and around all people. As peers who are out and proud members of the drug using community, who are privileged to advocate on behalf of our communities, we strongly encourage all people to use language guides such as Words Matter by ANPUD and INPUD, which is vital documentation to abolish stigmatising language. ​

inpud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Words-Matter-Language-Guide-1.pdf

14/08/2026

Harm reduction is healthcare. Harm reduction saves lives.
Everyone deserves access to healthcare, support and information without judgement.
NTAHC's NSPs provide a safe, confidential and welcoming service where people can access:
• Free sterile injecting equipment
• Safe disposal facilities
• Health promotion and education
• Referrals and peer support
• Free take-home naloxone
• Free condoms and lubricant

By reducing harm and keeping people connected to care, we can help prevent overdose and improve health outcomes across the Northern Territory.

📍 Visit our NSPs in Darwin, Palmerston or Alice Springs.
Find out more:

https://www.ntahc.org.au/harm-reduction-nsp

10/08/2026

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 2026 | 25 Years On. Still Needed.

This International Overdose Awareness Day, NTAHC is joining communities around the world to remember those we've lost to overdose, support those left behind, and promote the life-saving impact of harm reduction.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing a series of messages highlighting how we can all help create safer, healthier communities.

💜 Remember. Reflect. Honour.

Visit one of our Memorial Trees at our NSPs in Darwin, Palmerston or Alice Springs between 10 August and 4 September to leave a message in memory of someone you've lost or a message of hope.

💜 Harm Reduction Saves Lives

Learn how NTAHC's NSPs support community health through safer injecting equipment, health information, referrals, peer support and free take-home naloxone.

💜 Free Naloxone Available

Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Free take-home naloxone is available from NTAHC's NSPs in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs.

💜 Learn About Naloxone

Knowing the signs of an opioid overdose and how to respond could save a life. Find out more about overdose prevention and the support available through NTAHC.

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember lives lost, reduce stigma and take action. While this day is still needed, together we can work towards a future where it no longer is.

Find out more about NTAHC's Harm Reduction and NSP services:

🌐 https://www.ntahc.org.au/harm-reduction-nsp

Together, we can reduce stigma, prevent overdose and save lives.

30/07/2026

🌏 World Hepatitis Day 2026 – Darwin
Hepatitis: Take the Next Step
Join NTAHC in Smith Street Mall for World Hepatitis Day and learn more about hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment.

📅 Friday 31 July 2026
🕙 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Smith Street Mall, Site E3 (opposite The Galleria)
Come and chat with our Hepatitis Clinic team and Nurse Practitioner Anngie about hepatitis testing, treatment and support services available through NTAHC.
🎁 Free giveaways
✅ Hepatitis information and resources
✅ Learn about Point of Care Testing (POCT)
✅ Meet our Hepatitis Clinic team
✅ Find out how to access treatment and support

Can't make it to the stall?
Our NTAHC Hepatitis Clinic runs every Friday, with walk-in appointments available from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

📞 Call us to find out more or book an appointment.
🌐 www.ntahc.org.au/hepatitis
Take the next step and find us in the mall or pop into NTAHC.