International Overdose Awareness Day
Trigger warning: overdose, death
This has been a challenging year for everyone in British Columbia, and across the world.
Amongst a number of different crises, many people in the province continue to struggle with the devastating effects of the toxic illicit drug supply. B.C.'s overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2016. The overdose crisis impacts every community in B.C. as toxic drugs continue to circulate and cause the deaths of many of our loved ones.
The sadness and grief caused by these deaths is felt across the province. You may be wondering what you can do to help, learn more or get involved.
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day – a yearly event to raise awareness and create conversation about drug-related deaths. Each year, communities gather all over the world to remember those who have died or suffered injury due to drug overdose. This day provides a space to acknowledge grief, to reflect and remember, and to have important conversations to reduce the stigma around substance use.
Stigma can make it challenging for people to reach out for support - due to fears of judgement, shame or rejection from loved ones, friends, and the community. Every person’s life is valuable and stigmatising people who use drugs needs to stop.
Each person can play a part in reducing stigma and building awareness. By learning more about drug use and addiction, we can create safer places for someone to find support and feel less alone.
Where to start? There are steps that you can take:
Attend a virtual or social distanced in-person event.
Take time to remember.
Share reliable resources and materials.
Post or connect through conversations online.
Have a courageous conversation.
Educate yourself about drug overdose. Obtain Naloxone if it’s available near you. We at Foundry Victoria offer Naloxone training & kits! Call us if you're interested.
Encourage those who use substances to not use alone, to buddy up and make sure someone can respond to an overdose if necessary, i.e. they have Naloxone and wait until others have used before using themselves. If possible, use an overdose prevention site.
To find reliable resources and education material go to:
https://www.stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca/theweekly/get-involved-international-overdose-awareness-day
If you suspect an overdose, call 9-1-1 right away.
