Local Overdose Awareness Events

Waterloo Region: The Overdose Prevention Work Group, in collaboration with the Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy, is hosting two Overdose Awareness Events. The events are being held on the following dates in Cambridge and Kitchener:

Cambridge event:

Dickson Park
Monday, August 20, 2018
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Kitchener event:

Victoria Park
Monday, August 27, 2018
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The events are designed to educate the public about drug overdose, increase knowledge about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, challenge stigma and acknowledge individuals who have been impacted by overdose. These events are meant to help bring attention to International Overdose Awareness Day, which is a global event held annually on August 31.

Those attending will have access to information about overdose prevention and can also receive training and access to naloxone, a life-saving medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. There will also be information and support about harm reduction services and programs, including resources on support for problematic substance use in Waterloo Region.

Both events will also include snacks, light refreshments and an opportunity for individuals and families to meet the community partners and community members on the Overdose Work Group.

You can find out more about each event at these links:

Cambridge Overdose Awareness Day Event

Kitchener-Waterloo Overdose Awareness Day Event

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Media contacts:

For information before the events: Ryan Spiteri, Coordinator, Health Communications, Region of Waterloo Public Health & Emergency Services, 519-575-4400 ext. 2244

For interviews and information at the events: Lindsay Sprague, Coordinator Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy and Kathy McKenna, Public Health Nurse - Social Determinants of Health Information, Planning and Harm Reduction, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services