August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day- a day to commemorate the lives that have been lost to drug poisoning and to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
The government of Canada has declared drug overdoses as one of the most serious public health crises in Canada’s recent history. In 2024, there were 570 suspected drug related deaths in Manitoba -125 more than the year before (https://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/cme/2024.html).
It is important to understand addiction as more than a pathology and appreciate the deep connection there is to pain. Many struggling with addiction have experienced trauma — often early in life, and sometimes across generations. It is common for individuals to turn to substances to survive- to numb or relieve fear, shame, or anxiety.
Today we remember and honor those whose lives have been lost. We comfort those grieving their loved ones. We hold hope for those on their healing journey and call out for more access to harm reduction supplies, services and support.
What can you do?
- Have compassion. Addiction is not just about the drug. It’s a response to pain and the search for some relief
- Learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to reverse it or intervene
- Get Naloxone training
- Know where to access harm reduction supplies and Naloxone kits
- Don’t judge and avoid shame-based tactics. Talk about it. Help reduce the stigma, so others feel safe enough to ask for help.
Resources:
Sunshine House Mobile Overdose Prevention Services (MOPS), 646 Logan Ave
Manitoba naloxone finder: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/naloxone-finder.html
Main Street Project Outreach Van, 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies: 204-232-5217
Manitoba Harm Reduction Network https://mhrn.ca/
For more information on overdose prevention, recognition, and response visit: https://towardtheheart.com/
