August 31st is Overdose Awareness Day, a time to recognize the devastation wrought by the overdose crisis as well as to bring attention to the health and social issues that surround drug use. In 2017 overdose deaths will undoubtedly surpass the number of those in 2016 (922). As of June 30, the number of overdose deaths had increased by 61% in comparison to the same time in 2016.
Peer-driven groups such as Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD), the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), Vancouver Island’s SOLID and others lead the overdose response and bring vital information to action, advocacy and education. People with lived experience are extremely well positioned to inform others on what the risks and potential solutions are.
The voices of people with lived experience are included in the BC Centre for Disease Control BC Overdose Action Exchange II report with its ten action areas that need attention immediately. Some of these items may require that those in decision-making positions confront biases they may hold; embrace scientific evidence about substance use and treatment; and push for comprehensive change. Thankfully there are allies in many levels of power, including those in government, health care, research, and community.
Coming up this week, there will be events around the province to acknowledge Overdose Awareness Day. They will educate, advocate and recognize those who have died and those on the front lines delivering necessary care. Here’s a rundown of what is going on around various regions. For a full listing of events in Canada (and updates to events since this blog was posted, visit the Overdose Day site.
#EndOverdose #OverdoseAware2017 #CdnOverdoseCrisis
Courtenay
Date: August 31, 6 to 8 PM
Location: Simms Park, 489 Old Island Hwy, Courtenay, BC. V9N 1J6
Contact: Jennifer Hedican
Phone: 250-338-4487
Email: [email protected]
Come together to remember those who have died due to an overdose, to support those who are currently fighting addiction and to increase awareness of the disease of addiction.
Fort St. James
Date: August 31, 12 to 6 PM
Location: Spirt Square, Fort St James, BC
Contact: Stephanie Sutton
Phone: 250-570-1073
Email: [email protected]
Nurses from the Nak’azdli Health Center have partnered with Nak’azdli Wellness, Northern Health Public Health Nursing, Community Paramedics, The Key, Mental Health & Addiction Services along with community members to conduct a community event that will focus on the cause: increase awareness of overdose and to acknowledge the grief for those who have been affected by overdose in some way.
Kamloops
Date: August 31, 12 to 9 PM
Location: Riverside Park, (near or on the Bandshell Lawn), 100 Lorne St, Kamloops, BC
Contact: Sherry Robinson
Email: [email protected]
This public event will be an inclusive family friendly awareness day that focuses on prevention and remembrance as well as social inclusion that encourages community conversations to expand understanding and compassion for people with substance use addictions as well as their families and friends.
Nanaimo
Date: August 31, 2 – 4 PM
Location: Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Road, Nanaimo, BC
Contact: Tanya Hiltz
Phone: 250-755-1014
Email: [email protected]
New Westminster
Date: August 31, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Hyack Square, beside the old Keg building, on Columbia Street (near New Westminster Skytrain station).
Contact: Sasha
Email: [email protected]
On August 31 let’s join together to remember loved ones and help prevent overdose in our community. Time to Remember. Time to Act. Speakers, information, and time to remember those we loved and lost. More info TBA at time of this post.
Powell River
Date: Aug 31, 6 PM
Location: Willingdon Beach Upper Lot
Contact: Amanda Evans or Darlana Treloar
Phone: 604 485 0992 Amanda / 604 483 9059 Darlana
Email: [email protected]
Everyday, we see lives around us being changed and lost to overdose. Overdose does not discriminate – it could be you or someone you love, a friend, or your colleague. This year on International Overdose Awareness Day, Powell River needs your support. Get involved to prevent the tragedy of overdose.
Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES)
Date: August 31, 12 – 4 PM
Downtown Eastside community partners Culture Saves Lives and Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society (WAHRS) in collaboration with Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs (CAPUD) will be hosting an event on August 31st, International Day for Overdose Awareness, to memorialize those lost to British Columbia’s overdose crisis. The day will feature a commemorative art canvas and attendees will be encouraged to add the names of those lost, as well as artistic tributes, to the canvas using paints or markers provided by the organizers. The hope is that this canvas will make its way to Parliament Hill in Ottawa where it can tell a more personalized story of the overdose crisis in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Vancouver: Art Gallery Downtown
Date: Aug 31, 5 PM to 8 PM
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza (Rain or Shine)
Information tables, recognition of frontline workers and first responders; Guest Speakers Panel scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30pm
Victoria
Date: August 31, 4:30 PM to 8 PM
Location: 1 Centennial Square, Victoria BC
Contact: Heather Hobbs
Phone: 250-384-2366
Email: [email protected]
Our event will be a day of public awareness and education to help reduce the stigma of those who struggle with this health challenge. It will also be an opportunity to gather for a continued call for action to address this crisis and a meaningful Vigil to honour and remember loved ones that we have lost.“We Fight for Those We Love and Lost”.
Questions? Feedback? Get in touch!
Janet Madsen, Capacity Building and Knowledge Translation Coordinator, [email protected]