
09/01/2025
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), is a global campaign to end overdose. The 2025 theme, “One Big Family, Driven by Hope” is about extending outreach beyond family to a shared community. It drives home the importance of watching out for more than just our closest connections.
This year The CDC has highlighted the concerning rise in stimulant-involved overdose deaths, noting that stimulants are now involved in most fatal overdoses, often in combination with opioids.
The overdose crisis has touched all of our communities and IOAD is time of reflection - to remember those who have died from drug overdose and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.
Although I missed posting yesterday (on Aug 31st) the number of people I’ve known whose lives were lost to overdose is staggering. Taking time to remember each of them is important to me - and not tied to a single calendar day each year.
How to Help:
💜 Get a Naloxone kit! Across Ontario Naloxone kits are free to anyone with a health card at Shoppers. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. If you get/have a kit learn how to use it!
💜 Have the tough conversations. Whether you know someone who uses substances or not, connecting and talking with friends, family and coworkers can raise awareness and reduce the stigma that often prevents some from seeking help.
Overdose affects everyone. From grieving families to first responders - the impacts of overdose are far reaching and fall indiscriminately.