This year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) takes place on Saturday, August 31st and there are a myriad of events taking place across Vancouver Island.
The point of this day is to remind people of ways to prevent toxic drug poisonings as well as remember those who have passed, without stigma.
According to Island Health, the theme for this year is “Together we can”. This theme was decided upon in order to highlight the power of community when everyone stands together.
“Officially, we are eight years into the BC toxic drug crisis and it is unrelenting,” said Leah Hollins, Chair of the Island Health Board.
“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,” she added.
Island Health says that 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
- 85 in South Vancouver Island
To help celebrate the lives of those lost to toxic drug poisonings, Island Health is asking people to share memories and photos of those close to them who have passed for a ‘digital memory wall’.
“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.”
Below are the community events taking place throughout Vancouver Island to observe IOAD:
- Friday, August 30th
- Port Alberni – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel. Hosted by the Port Alberni Community Action Team.
- Saturday, August 31st
- Campbell River – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Spirit Square. Hosted by the Campbell River Community Action Team.
- Courtenay – Noon to 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. to 4 p.m. at Charles Hoey Park. Hosted by the Cowichan Community Action Team.
- Mayne Island – 10 a.m. to 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. to 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. to 3 p.m. at the Friendship Centre. Hosted by the Port Alberni Community Action Team.
- Sooke – 4 p.m. to 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.
For those seeking mental health and substance use and grief services, 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.
Additionally, a map of IOAD events across the Island Health region is viewable via this Google Maps page.
