International Overdose Awareness Day recognizes the impact of overdose on individuals, families and the community

Waterloo Region – This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 will be marked locally by two events being organized by the Overdose Prevention Work Group of the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy (WRIDS). Both events aim to raise awareness about the ongoing drug poisoning crisis, reduce the stigma around substance use and drug related death, and to provide a safe space for the community to grieve and memorialize those who were lost to overdose.

Members of the public are invited to attend events in Kitchener and Cambridge. The events will include a memorial activity for those grieving a loved one due to overdose. There will also be a number of guest speakers, information and support about harm reduction services and programs, including resources on support for problematic substance use in Waterloo Region, and access to information about overdose prevention, as well as naloxone training. 

These community events will also include pizza, light refreshments and an opportunity for individuals and families to meet the community partners and community members on the Overdose Prevention Work Group. The Sanguen Health Van will provide on-site access to harm reduction supplies.

International Overdose Awareness Day Events in Waterloo Region

Wednesday, August 24
Dickson Park, Cambridge (in the treed area above the ball diamond)
12 noon – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, August 31
Victoria Park, Kitchener (off David Street near the washrooms)
6 – 8 p.m.

Background:

The Overdose Prevention Working Group of the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy is comprised of community members and staff from Waterloo Regional Police Service; The Working Centre; Ray of Hope; Sanguen Health Centre; AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area; Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres; Lutherwood; the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy; and Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services.

Across Canada, including in Waterloo Region, overdoses and overdose-related deaths have been increasing to unprecedented levels each year. In 2020, 106 individuals died from opioid overdose-related deaths in Waterloo Region. In 2021, there were 99 suspected opioid overdose-related deaths. 

Behind the data there are real people with stories of grief and loss. These are the family, friends and loved ones of those who were lost to drug poisoning in Waterloo Region and Ontario. The data cannot begin to quantify the grief and loss many have experienced due to drug poisoning. The urgency to avoid similar preventable deaths in 2022 and beyond cannot be overstated.