Each year on August 31^st, individuals, families, organizations, and communities across Canada and around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day sheds light on the causes of drug poisonings, including drug policies, the toxic unregulated drug supply, and other intersecting health and social inequities like racism, capitalism, colonialism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, xenophobia, and stigma.

While substance use affects people from all walks of life, because of the systemic forms of oppression mentioned above, the impacts of the drug poisoning epidemic are experienced disproportionately by certain groups, including Black and Indigenous communities, people who are unhoused, people who are 2SLGBTQ+, women, youth, and rural and remote communities.

Drug Poisonings in Canada & Chatham-Kent

Today, in Canada, 22 people will die due to toxic drug poisoning.

From 2016 to 2021, the rates of opioid-related Emergency Department (ED) visits and opioid poisoning deaths experienced in Chatham-Kent have increased more than 400%. The pandemic years have brought about the largest spike in ED visits and death rates, which have more than doubled since 2019. In the first quarter of 2022, there have already been 9 opioid-related deaths in Chatham-Kent, putting CK’s rate above the provincial average and among the highest across Ontario.

Outreach workers who support people who use substances in Chatham-Kent at a First-Responder and Overdose Response training through Heart2Heart.

“These are not just numbers; these are people. They are parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. And their tragic deaths, and the pain experienced by their families and friends, are preventable.” - Scott Roose, Director, Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council

These rates don’t capture the true picture of drug poisonings in our community and the weight carried by those living through this crisis. Many people do not seek care after experiencing a poisoning for various reasons, including fear of stigma or criminalization. The CK Drug Awareness Council (CKDAC) and many community partners are working to change this narrative for our community.

International Overdose Awareness Day Events in Chatham-Kent

It is more important than ever to come together as a community to remember those who have died, honour the grief of family and friends left behind, and take action to end the drug poisoning epidemic.

Join the CKDAC on August 31^st anytime from 3:00-8:00pm at Hope Haven in Chatham or James St. Drop-In Centre in Wallaceburg to share memories, stories, support, and resources. In the spirit of remembrance and coming together, the events will also include food and refreshments, local musical talent, art therapy activities, naloxone training and substance use education.

To honour the day, wear a purple shirt or ribbon.

Ending Drug Poisonings

While International Overdose Awareness Day is an important day to remember and take action, there are things we can all do every day to reduce stigma for people who use drugs and end drug poisonings. Here is what you can do to help:

A Time to Remember:

• Paint a stone purple and write a message to someone who uses drugs to help them know they are loved and not alone. Give the stone to someone you love or place it in a safe public space that is meaningful to you for others to see
• Share stories of why you love someone who is impacted by the drug poisoning epidemic to honour their journey and help reduce stigma
• Offer space and a listening ear to someone who has been affected by the drug poisoning epidemic
• Post on the International Overdose Awareness Day Memoriam Wall
• Conversations about substance use can be difficult. Reach out to someone you trust or call the Mental Health First Response Line 1-866-299-7447
• Know that you are not alone and it’s okay to feel what you are feeling

A Time to Act:

• Learn how to respond to a toxic drug poisoning, carry naloxone, and encourage others to get training
• Learn about how drug policies contribute to drug poisonings from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
• Use person first language when talking about substance use
• Challenge stigmatizing attitudes and behaviours. Pause and reflect on why you think or feel a certain way. Try to stay curious and open to learning and adopting more compassionate, person-centered views and approaches
• Complete the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Overcoming Stigma: Online Learning modules
• Gain a richer understanding of harm reduction through CATIE’s Harm Reduction Fundamentals toolkit for service providers
• Attend a CKDAC general membership meeting to learn about work being done in our community to increase awareness, safety, and compassion around substance use
• Follow @CKDAC on Facebook and Instagram or go to www.ckdac.ca for a list of local supports for people who use substances and the people around them