Tasmania's 1000 Cranes Project takes flight to remember Tasmanians lost to overdose

This, according to participants of a project aimed at reducing the stigma around drug-related deaths and remembering Tasmanians lost to overdose.

In the lead up to International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, residents at the Missiondale Recovery Centre have lent a hand to the 1000 Cranes Project.

An initiative of the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania, so far more than 2700 paper cranes have been donated to the cause.

With more than one person lost every week to overdose across the state, ATDCT chief executive Alison Lai said the project had resonated with a lot of people.

"Overdose can affect all of us, it could be you or someone you love, your friend, colleague or neighbour," she said.

"We have been overwhelmed with the community response so far, quickly surpassing our initial goal of 1000 cranes and well on our way to 3000.

"No family should ever have to go through the pain of losing a loved one because of overdose and this has clearly resonated with people from all walks of life right across Tasmania."

Known as Senbazuru - the art of folding 1000 paper cranes - it is said that if you fold 1000 paper cranes and make a wish, it will come true.

The ATDC is calling on members of the Tasmanian community to fold a crane and/or share a story of a loved or a personal lived experience of drug overdose.

The project will be officially launched in Hobart at the end of the month, with the cranes to be assembled and hung together by string.

They will then tour across the state as part of a moving display.

So far contributions have been made from a range of organisations including Primary Health Tasmania, Ambulance Tasmania, the Bridge Program, Missiondale, Serenity House, City of Hobart, Youth Family and Community Connections, Anglicare, Karadi Aboriginal Corporation, UTAS students and the Tasmanian Leaders Program.

On Thursday more than 450 cranes were collected from Missiondale at Evandale, adding to 200 already sent to Hobart.

Work therapy team leader Debbie Down said about 12 residents had spent the past month perfecting the art of origami.

"We have had a lot of rainy weather the last few weeks, which has made it difficult to get out in the garden," she said.

"This has been a great way to pass the time, and it didn't take long before we had a few hundred.

"It took some longer than others to learn, but it's been a good lesson in persistence."

The cranes will travel across Tasmania in September, with organisations interested in hosting the display encouraged contact the ATDC.

For more information, or to participate in the project, email katie@atdc.org.au or call 6231 5002.