International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to prevent toxic drug poisonings, and remember, without stigma, those who have died.
The theme for 2024, “Together we can”, highlights the power of community when everyone stands together.
“Officially, we are eight years into the B.C. toxic drug crisis and it is unrelenting,” says Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins. “While we remember those who are no longer with us, International Overdose Awareness Day is also a time to acknowledge the grief and trauma experienced by those impacted by the deaths, whether health care staff, caregivers, or family and friends. The crisis takes an enormous collective toll over the years.”
In addition to supporting events within communities, Island Health invites people to share their memories and thoughts together on a digital memory wall available now through September 20. This memory wall is an opportunity for people to share memories, special words, and photos to honour and remember people tragically taken by poisoned substances.
Pictured Above: “Bouba and Kiki" by millie cherrymintrose.com
In the first half of 2024 toxic drug poisonings have taken the lives of 245 people across the Island Health region: 58 in North Vancouver Island, 102 in Central Vancouver Island, and 85 in South Vancouver Island. For the past two years, Island Health has had a higher rate of toxic drug deaths compared to B.C. overall, with Greater Victoria continually being among the top B.C. townships with the highest number of toxic drug deaths, following Vancouver and Surrey.
“The effect on people in Island Health communities is undeniable,” says Vice President, Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Réka Gustafson. “Remembering those we lost is one way to honour them and to keep them in the centre of the dialogue about a meaningful response.”
Mental health and substance use and grief services and supports are available. Island Health residents may call the Mental Health and Substance Use Service Link at 1-888-885-8824 to learn about supports that best meet their needs. If someone is experiencing a crisis, they can contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-888-494-3888.
To access mental health and substance use services, visit Mental Health & Substance Use Services or HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca.
For harm reduction information and resources, visit Toward The Heart.
To view a map of IOAD events across the Island Health region visit this Google Maps page.
BACKGROUNDER:
Community events being held August 30
Port Alberni – 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. Hosted by the Port Alberni Community Action Team.
Community events being held August 31
- Campbell River 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Spirit Square. Hosted by the Campbell River Community Action Team.
- Courtenay Noon – 4 p.m. at Simms Park. Hosted by the Comox Valley Community Action Team.
- Crofton 6 p.m. at Crofton Park at the sign near the ferry terminal. Hosted by Chadd Cawson.
- Duncan 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Charles Hoey Park. Hosted by the Cowichan Community Action Team.
- Mayne Island 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Mayne Island Farmers Market. Hosted by Holding Hope (part of Moms Stop The Harm).
- Nanaimo Noon at Diana Krall Plaza. Hosted by the Nanaimo Community Action Team
- Parksville 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Parksville Community Park in the picnic shelter. Hosted by Oceanside Community Action Team and Moms Stop The Harm.
- Port Alberni 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Friendship Centre. Hosted by the Port Alberni Community Action Team.
- Sooke 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the grass area near Evergreen Shopping Centre. Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm.
- Victoria 11:30 a.m. at Our Place Society. Hosted by Our Place Society.
- Victoria 7 p.m. at Broad View United Church. Hosted by Moms Stop the Harm, Victoria Community Action Team, and Broad View United.