International Overdose Awareness Day: August 31

30 August 2021

August 31, 2021: International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Time to Remember. Time to Act.

International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Make a Difference in 2021

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

Thousands of people die each year from drug overdose. They come from all walks of life.

Do you recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose? What is the impact of drug use and overdose on family, friends and those experiencing it?

Fact Sheet – Alcohol

Fact Sheet – Crystal Methamphetamine

Fact Sheet – Depressants

Fact Sheet – Opioids

Fact Sheet – Psychoactive Substances

Fact Sheet – Stimulants

Like elsewhere, opioids account for the majority of drug-induced deaths in Canada.

In 2020, in the three months of July–September, there were at least 1,705 apparent opioid-related deaths, with another 1,646 having occurred in April–June of the same year.

This report does not include deaths caused by drugs other than opioids, so the total number of drug-induced deaths will be somewhat higher.

Source: ‘Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada’ March 202

The pandemic isn’t the only Public Health crisis in Canada. The number of overdoses and opioid-related deaths has significantly increased since COVID19. Learn about safer drug use here: CMHA Naloxone Toolkit Quick Guides Safer Drug Use 

For additional information visit: https://www.overdoseday.com/