Today is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a time to remember those who have lost their lives to an overdose or experienced a permanent injury related to drug use.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s region has experienced a significant increase in opioid-related deaths over the past three years, according to a news release. "In 2019, the Health Unit’s region reported 19 opioid-related deaths. This number grew to 50 opioid-related deaths in 2020, and 47 opioid-related deaths in 2021."
In the first quarter of 2022, there have been 13 confirmed and probable opioid-related deaths in our Health Unit region.
"Overdoses are one of the world’s worst public health crises," continues the release. "IOAD aims to raise awareness about overdoses in our community and teach the public that an overdose is preventable through the facilitation of discussion and action, using evidence-based approaches and drug policy to help reduce overdoses."
The day aims to:
- Provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn in a safe space
- Inform communities about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdoses
- Provide supportive messages to those with lived and living experiences, that they are valued.
“International Overdose Awareness Day is important as it brings light to what is often an ignored and forgotten issue," explains Lynn Perreault, Program Manager at West Nipissing General Hospital’s Alliance Centre. "Celebrating this day is a powerful way to stand together to remember people who have lost their lives to overdose and support their surviving loved ones,”
In memory of those who have lost their lives to an overdose or experienced a permanent injury related to drug use, a banner to recognize IOAD has been hung outside the parking garage at Northgate in North Bay. and memorial plaques will be placed in West Nipissing, off King Street, and Parry Sound, at the Mary St. Centre.
“Harm reduction meets people where they are at, providing supports and services that help the individual use safer and reach their goal," explains Glenn Petersen, Hepatitis C Outreach Worker at the AIDS Committee." A harm reduction approach empowers people by allowing them to make their own choices, through education of issues at hand in their lives, there is the potential to have dignity restored.”
To learn more about the online and in-person week of events – August 29 to September 2 – click here.
