CK Public Health recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) each year on August 31st. On this day, we draw attention to the root causes of drug poisonings, including ineffective drug policies, the toxic unregulated drug market, and stigma.
“Together We Can”
This year, the theme of International Overdose Awareness Day is “Together We Can.” Partnerships are crucial to addressing the drug poisoning epidemic. These deaths are preventable. Together we can acknowledge each other’s pain and grief and ensure that those struggling receive the support they need.
This year, CK Public Health is highlighting five important groups in our community who are impacted by the drug poisoning epidemic:
- People with Lived/Living Expertise of Substance Use
- Health and Social Services Professionals
- Family and Friends
- Individuals Working in the Trades Industry
- People Who Use Substances Recreationally
Follow along as we share ways that we can all reduce harms, prevent deaths, and create a more compassionate future for our community.
Drug Poisoning Trends
“Today, in Ontario, 8 people will die due to toxic drug poisoning.” (CAMH, 2023)
The rates of opioid toxicity emergency department visits and deaths in CK have increased greatly since the pandemic and continue to be among the highest in the province. With 9 deaths already reported for the first quarter of 2024, CK appears to be trending in a similar direction as the worst year on record. This tragedy is being driven by the unregulated market, specifically fentanyl and other high-potency opioids (Government of Canada, 2023).
Ending Drug Poisonings
Join the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council (CKDAC) on Thursday August 29th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Community events will be taking place at Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) 39 Richmond Street in Chatham and 233 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg.
Refreshments, music, art therapy, naloxone training and substance use education will be available.
Together we can share memories, tell our stories, support each other, and reach out for help.
While International Overdose Awareness Day is an important day to remember and take action, we can all take action every day to help combat stigma and prevent drug poisonings. Here is how you can help:
A Time to Remember:
- Paint a stone purple and write a message. Give the stone to someone you love or place it in a safe public space that is meaningful to you for others to see.
- Offer space and a listening ear to someone who has been affected by the drug poisoning epidemic.
- Post a tribute on the International Overdose Awareness Day website.
- Know that you are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust or call the Mental Health First Response Line at 1-866-299-7447 or Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310.
A Time to Act:
- Learn how to respond to a toxic drug poisoning, carry Naloxone, and encourage others to get training.
- Learn about the history of drug policy in Canada from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.
- Use person first language when talking about substance use.
- Complete the Overcoming Stigma: Online Learning.
- Attend a Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council meeting.
- Access local supports for substance use such as: