International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2023
IOAD is a global event held on August 31st 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 met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
Moms Stop the Harm invites you to organize or join IOAD activities in your community as we honour all those we have loved and lost.
Our advocates will be hosting a range of activities including protests, public naloxone training, public education and awareness, “Purple Ribbon” and “Purple Chair” campaigns and Candlelight Vigils of Remembrance.
Please join us.
Download the Toolkit from www.overdoseday.com
They’ve included some useful advocacy tips, ideas, and letter templates in the kit to guide you. Using this toolkit, you could:
Urge your mayor to officially declare August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
Ask a local landmark to be lit up purple on the night.
Seek sponsorship for your IOAD activities.
Advocate for policy change through your local elected officials.
We hope you find the Advocacy Toolkit useful in raising awareness of this global crisis and driving change toward a future free from overdose harm.
Join us in making a difference with IOAD 2023!
Register your event with us below so that we can spotlight it on this page:
ALBERTA EVENTS
Airdrie
August 31, 2023 between 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Nose Creek Park
Please come out and talk to the various organizations that will be set up to help raise awareness and share what support is available for loved ones and friends or family members who may need support through mental health and addiction.
Facebook Event Link
Calgary
August 31, 2023 @ 12:00pm
Central Memorial Park
Multi-agency event supporting the community with overdose information and those who have been impacted by this crisis.
Edmonton
August 31, 2023 @ 6:30pm
Victoria Park Site 6
Food truck, Live Music, Glitter Tattoos, Balloon Art, Flags of Hope, Indigenous Drummers and Singers, Naloxone Training and more. Candlelight Vigil at 9pm overlooking the High Level Bridge.
Follow for more information. Please join us!
Leduc - August 25
Join Dylan's Hope Foundation - Overdose Awareness on Friday, August 25th from 7pm to 9pm to remember our loved ones we have lost to overdose, celebrate survivors and bring awareness to overdose.
During the event there will be guest speakers, naloxone kits, we will unveil the 2023 memorial video, hold a candlelight vigil and walk together to ‘recognize those unseen’ and honor the lives lost to overdose.
For more information - check the Facebook Event
Lethbridge
August 31, 2023
Galt Gardens 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 8:30pm to 9:30pm
1:00 pm – Sign Making
2:00 pm – March Around Galt Gardens Perimeter
8:30 pm – Honoring Those That Are No Longer with Us
💜 Food, Snacks & Water
💜 Wristbands
💜 Clothing Items
💜 Water Bottles
💜 Chalk for Sidewalk Notations
💜 Raging Grannies
💜 Sound System for Anyone Wanting to Speak About Their Loved One
💜 Naloxone & Narcan Training
💜 Naloxone & Narcan
💜 Drug Testing Strips & Supplies
This Year’s Theme: “Recognizing Those People Who Go Unseen”
#WESEEYOU
We honor the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion.
or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should be held up as examples to all of us. Too often, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence.
Medicine Hat
August 31, 2023
Outside our public library in Medicine Hat, AB. Aug 31. 5-8 pm. Free food, tshirts and information on mental health and harm reduction. Nasal and IM naloxone training, Indigenous drumming event, open mic, smudging, candle vigil, etc
Red Deer
August 31 is 💜International Overdose Awareness Day💜 and we’d love for you to spend the afternoon with us.
You’ll be able to find us at the Rotary Picnic Park from 4PM – 7PM. Together with our community partners we hope to spend the afternoon bringing overdose awareness to our community and remembering those that we have lost.
There will be a mourning tree, a BBQ while supplies last, and booths from various agencies within our community.
You’ll find MomsStopTheHarm, The Alberta Alliance Who Educates and Advocates Responsibly, Shining Mountains LCS, Safe Harbour Society, and more. Elders will hold a prayer ceremony, and Moms Stop the Harm will give a speech.
Throughout the afternoon we’ll be offering free naloxone training.
Wetaskiwin
August 31, 2023
Second Annual Overdose Awareness event
Please join us for a candlelight vigil in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on if you would like.
Feel free to also send pictures of your loved ones to hello@wetaskiwinfcss.com for us to print off and bring to the event.
Diamond Jubilee Park at 6:30pm
More information on our Facebook Event Page CLICK HERE
BRITISH COLUMBIA EVENTS
Abbotsford
August 31, 2023
Reducing Overdose, Abbotsford Response (ROAR) invites the community to IOAD in Jubilee Park, 2552 McCallum Road, Thursday, August 31 from 11am to 3pm.
The event includes performances by Hoop Dancer – Sebastian Abbott; Undercover Band; Precarious Players; over a dozen community resource booths, on-site Naloxone training, guest speakers, open mic and more.
ROAR provides a free lunch with offerings from Phoenix Flame BBQ and J&R Bannock Wagon food trucks.
Click here for the FACEBOOK EVENT DETAILS
Castlegar
August 31, 2023
See poster for all the information
Courtenay
August 31, 2023
Mark your calendar! Please join us on August 31st - International Day of Awareness - at Simms Park in Courtenay, 12 noon - 4pm.
Everyone>Everyone welcome! Awesome live music including award-winning Canadian hip hop artist and mental health advocate, Sirreal!!
Time to act. Time to remember. Time to advocate for change. Time to lift each other up! 💜
Hosted with love by the Comox Valley Community Action Team in partnership with Unbroken Chain, Indigenous Women's Sharing Society and
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Kamloops
August 31, 2023
Join us at the Paramount Theatre, August 31st for the screening of Kimmapiiyipitssini - The Meaning of Empathy
Kelowna
August 31, 2023
We are hosting a lunch and pamper event for the unhoused.
We will provide them with showers, haircuts, photos, new clothes and lunch at Metro Community from 11;00am until 2:00pm.
Join us at 7:00pm for our evening event at Kerry Park with music and Naloxone training, information from many service providers and then a candlelight vigil at the Sails - 9:30pm
Please join us!
Kitimat
August 31, 2023
Arrive at 12:30pm walk at 1:00pm
Lunch to follow
Naloxone Training and Harm Reduction Information
Memorial Table
Foodshare/Day Shelter @ Douglas Place
Hosted by Tamitik Status of Women
Fort St James
August 31, 2023 Fort St James BC.
International Overdose Awareness Event.
Walk about to promote awareness and celebrate lives lost to toxic drug poisoning crisis.
Walk about to begin at Kwah Hall through downtown and completing the walk at cotton wood park with a candlight vigil and speaker session.
Families who have lost loved ones have a chance to share their stories, support those who struggle with addiction with words of encouragement.
A Time to Remember, A Time to Support & A Time to Act
Langley
August 31, 2023 @ 6:00pm
Douglas Park Spirit Square
With our theme for 2023, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” we honor the people whose lives have been altered by overdose.
They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
We would like to say to these people: #weseeyou.
Theirs are the voices we should amplify, and their strength and experience should be held up as examples to us all.
Too often, however, they are left to bear the burden of this crisis alone and in silence.
This year on August 31, let’s acknowledge and support the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose, promoting education of overdose response and reaching out to politicians to make lasting, lifesaving policy changes.
Click here for more information. Please join us!
Maple Ridge
August 31, 2023
Maple Ridge BC Memorial Peace Park from 2:30pm to 6:30pm
A Time to Remember, A Time to Support & A Time to Act
Mayne Island
August 31, 2023
#IOAD2023 on Mayne Island, British Columbia
August 31 at 6 PM
Dinner Bay Park
Family potluck and memorial
Please join us!
Bring a dish to share, your own plates, cups and cutlery and chairs.
Nanaimo
On Thursday August 31st, we invite you to gather in community, in memorial & in protest for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at Maffeo Sutton Park in Downtown Nanaimo 💜
Join us to share food, connect with others of like-minds & warm hearts, hear from folks with lived and living experiences in our community, heal through art, and explore our harm reduction Resource Village.
Details:
Thursday August 31, 2023, 11am - 2pm
Maffeo Sutton Park (Swy-a-lana), 100 Comox Road, Downtown Nanaimo
11am - noon: Gather and share food
12pm: Opening by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good, followed by CAT & community speakers, and closing song from Patrick Aleck
Throughout the event, community members are invited to connect, attend the Resource Village, and join in on the Grief-Loss-Art Therapy Vigil.
Safe consumption services will be available
Nelson
August 31, 2023
IOAD event in Nelson BC.
August 31 12:30pm - 2:00pm at Lakeside Park Rotary Shelter.
Information from community groups.
Speeches 1:00pm.
Join us in remembrance and to raise awareness!
New Westminster
August 31, 2023 - IOAD Information Table
We will be hosting a MSTH information table and naloxone training at the New Westminster Farmers Market in Tipperary Park on August 31 from 3 to 7 pm. It will be listed on the New Westminster Farmers Market website one week prior to the event.
Website will have more information when updatedOliver
We Will Recover Society is hosting International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) event on Aug. 31st at the Oliver Parks and Recreation field.
We will be raising our painted tipi on the east side of the Oliver Parks & Recreation field on Aug. 29, and we will be offering 2 days of events in support of recovery, harm reduction, and overdose prevention.
Aug. 30 will be dedicated to the families and friends with loved ones whom have used or who use substances. We will offer a healing circle inside the tipi at 7pm.
Aug. 31st is dedicated to the families and friends who grieve the loss of a loved one who was lost to toxic drug poisoning or the harms of addiction. Throughout the day we will have music, speakers, and lots of resources on site, and at 6pm we will have a peer-led grief support talking circle inside the tipi. At 7:30pm we will have a candle light vigil.
Please come out and join us. #weseeyou
In honor of the many grieving families, we asking seeking compassionate neighbors, friend, and others who have been impacted by mental health or addiction, and any other caring artists in the community to help us paint a "memory photo box" for anonymous gifting to the bereaved families who participate in this important day and event.
We will supply the materials and deeply appreciate your help and support.
We also wish to invite other agencies, service providers or others who have any wellness services or supports to offer to come join us in this event.
Together...We Will Recover
OUR WEBSITE
Parksville
August 31, 2023 - from 1pm to 5pm and candlelight vigil at 7pm
We will join the Oceanside Community Action Team (OCAT) at the Parksville Community Centre on Mills St for Naloxone training, harm reduction education, engaging the public, speakers.
We will be there with our posters & purple chairs.
At 7 pm, we will have a Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance at the Parksville Community Park at the picnic shelter.
Port Alberni
August 31, 2023 - from 12pm to 6pm at the Echo Centre - 4255 Wallace Street in Port Alberni
Join us on Aug 31, 2023, for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) in Port Alberni, sponsored by the Community Action Team.
We're honored to host guest speaker Guy Felicella (Keynote Q & A 3pm to 6pm), sharing insights and hope. Together, we remember and strive for change.
#IOAD2023
#CATPortAlberni
Powell River
Powell River BC (qathet) August 31 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Write a prayer or wish for your loved one on a purple ribbon (provided) and tie it to the overdose bench and tree at Willingdon beach, near the Chopping Block.
Prince George
Unfortunately, our IOAD 2023 event had to relocate due to last week's fire explosion beside the Wood Innovation Square. Therefore, our new location would be in front of the City of Prince George.
In honour of those we’ve lost too soon and in support of those grieving, we are here to have conversations, educate, help, and keep the light of hope burning bright. Let’s stand against the opioid crisis and work towards a safer, healthier community. Your presence matters!
MomsStopTheHarm will be in attendance
#iOAD2023 #OverdoseAware #internationaloverdoseawarenessday
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island Event in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day
Please join us on Salt Spring Island on August 31st at Centennial Park from 2-5 pm to discuss the Impact of Overdose on our lives, and to talk about issues that relate to Substance Use and Reduce Harm.
Event will include: Speakers, music, circle talks, displays, resources and things that could help one another.
Sechelt
Sechelt Hackett Park - August 31 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Naloxone Training, Speakers, Threshold Choir Singers, Food, Music and Memorial
Supported by community partners: Sunshine Coast Community Action Team, VCH, i2i Peer Support, Raincity Housing & Sunshine Coast Hospice
Sooke
Purple ribbon campaign starting August 1st, 2023 Sooke Town Center.
IOAD event August 31st, 2023 Sooke Town Center: live music, candlelight memorial, guest speakers
Please join us
Surrey
Subject: Surrey Community Action Team: International Overdose Awareness Day
Location: Holland Park, Surrey
Address: 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC V3T 3C7
Date: August 31, 2023
Time: 11am - 2pm
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends.
Many service agencies will be present to share their resources. Including the following:
Overdose outreach teams>br>
Narcan training
Free pet supplies
Free haircuts
Massages and exercise classes for front line staff
Free household supplies and personal care kits
Peer connections and network
Housing, Identification and family services
Terrace
August 31, 2023 from 10am to 3pm at The George Little Park
Expect a BBQ with burgers, drumming, music in the park along with Naloxone training and honouring our loved ones. Please join us in this circle of remembrance!
Vancouver - Event 1
August 31
Free Event - August 31 from 2:30pm to 6:30pm at The Roxy Burger in Vancouver, BC.
Join them for Overdose Awareness Day.
See poster for more details:
Vancouver - Event 2
August 31 - Meet at the tennis courts at Kits Beach beginning at 11AM.
PURPLE RIBBONS OF AWARENESS-tying large purple ribbons with photos along posts and trees in the beach area.
MEMORIAL LABYRINTH- “Tu me manques” “You Are Missing from Me”- Walk the labyrinth by following the photos of those we have lost.
RIDER-LESS LOCK BIKE-One less rider- bring a lock or purchase one to add to the moveable memorial
PROGRAMME OF SPEAKERS-Program begins at 2PM
Vernon
August 31st, 2023
4:00pm - Talking Circle at Cenotaph Park recognizing the countless loved ones lost to toxic drug crisis
5:00pm - Vernon Towne Theater: Naloxone training, Vernon drug testing info, Community resources and MSTH table
6:00pm - Film screening Love in the time of Fentanyl
7:30pm - Panel discussion
Victoria - August 20
Purple Bows to mark International Overdose Awareness Day will be hung around downtown Victoria BC. Come out Sunday August 20th and join the campaign to turn Victoria Purple.
Meet 10 am at Centennial Square.
Enjoy the Ribbons Along Wharf, Government and Belleville Streets.
Up until September 3. Stroll around and have a look.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Victoria
August 31, 2023 at 7:00 PM
First Metropolitan United Church - 932 Balmoral Road, Victoria, BC
Honouring those who have lost their lives to overdose and drug poisoning.
Featuring music, speakers and a candlelight vigil.
Refreshments and conversation to follow.
White Rock
Join us on August 31st, 2023 @5pm at Memorial Park along White Rock beach!
IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
The IOAD 2023 theme “Recognizing those people who go unseen” is about acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in the crisis.
Agenda:
5:00pm – Opening Ceremony by Semiahmoo First Nations & sharing stories from people with lived/living experience
6:00pm – March on White Rock Promenade & Food
7:00pm to 8:00pm – Resource Tables & Naloxone Training
8:00pm Candlelight Memorial & Lighting of Pier Lights Purple
Facebook Event Link For More Information
MANITOBA EVENTS
Brandon
We will be hosting a day and evening vigil on August 31st
More information on posters below. Please also check out our Facebook Page below as well.
Brandon and Area Overdose Awareness Facebook Page
Winnipeg - August 12
Purple Ribbon Campaign
Turning St. John’s Park PURPLE and harm reduction table at the pow wow on August 12, 2023 @ St. Johns Park.
Presentations on opioid awareness, opioid poisoning response training, and naloxone/narcan training, kits provided to the community after presentations.
Winnipeg - 2 events August 31
Date: August 31, 2023
EVENT ONE Time: 11:30 am
Location: Manitoba Legislative Building Grounds
Moms Stop the Harm & Overdose Awareness Manitoba invite you to attend.
The event will include:
Speakers
Harm Reduction Fair
15+ Organizations
Naloxone Training
Harm Reduction supplies
Safer sex supplies
Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS)
Information and much more.
UPDATE: The City of Winnipeg has confirmed that the Winnipeg Sign and the Esplanade Riel Bridge as well as the RBC Convention Centre will be lit up in PURPLE for the evening
EVENT TWO Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Gone Too Soon Memorial Garden located at Stephen Juba Park on Waterfront Drive
Come Say hello and honour those gone too soon
NEW BRUNSWICK EVENTS
Fredericton
Date: August 31, 2023
We are holding an event to raise awareness for International Overdose Awareness Day in Fredericton NB.
There are two naloxone training sessions that people can register for from 10:00am to 11:00am and 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the Fredericton Downtown Public Library.
In between 11:00am to 1:00pm anyone is invited to come and look at the information and other resources we will have available, take a purple ribbon, pin a purple ribbon on the memory wall and write in the condolence book.
Miramichi
August 31, 2023 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Chatham Public Library 24 King Street Miramichi NB
A time to remember those we have lost and educate ourselves on how we can take action.
Naloxone training will be provided (see below to register for training) - after the naloxone training we will do a name reading and allow any family or friends who have lost someone to
share if they would like.
Contact: Juanita.oreilly11@gmail.com to register for naloxone training.
Saint John
Date: August 31, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Kings Square Park
Public event
Name of Organisation: Moms Stop the Harm
Harm Reduction agencies and community partners will have tables at the event with Naloxone training, snack bags, guest speakers and more.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR EVENTS
ONLINE ZOOM WEBINAR
Date: August 31, 2023
Hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre on Substance Use
International Overdose Awareness Day is marked on August 31. It is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Agenda:
9:15 - 9:30 am NDT: Welcome and greetings
9:30 - 10:30 am NDT: Presentation to launch new publication "Drug Toxicity Action, Prevention, and Response Plan in Newfoundland and Labrador"
10:30 - 10:45 am NDT: Q&A about the Drug Toxicity Action, Prevention, and Response Plan
10:45 - 11:30 am NDT: Panel Discussion: "Recognizing Those who go Unseen: Grief, Stigma, and Creating Change"
11:30 - 11:45 am NDT: Ceremony of Remembrance
Target Audience:
Everyone is welcome to attend this event. At all times, this will be maintained as a respectful space to remember those lost and to learn more about ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to overdose.
Questions? Any questions about this webinar can be directed to Brittany Howell (Brittany.Howell@easternhealth.ca)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES EVENTS
NOVA SCOTIA EVENTS
Amherst
August 31 - Overdose Awareness Day
Amherst Nova Scotia - August 31st 11:00am to 1:00pm in Victoria Park.
Free catered lunch and Cake. Narcan training, Merch table, and other goodies.
We will have someone read a speech and then the names of those we have lost followed by a moment of silence and a candlelight vigil at 7pm at the YMCA.
Facebook page with more information
Halifax
August 31 - Overdose Awareness Day
See poster for more information
NUNAVUT EVENTS
ONTARIO EVENTS
Alliston - August 30
August 30 - Overdose Awareness Day at the Krasman Centre (17 Paris Str., Alliston, ON) from 1pm to 3pm.
Join us in honouring those who we have lost due to toxic drug poisonings. All are welcome.
Barrie
Ceremony of Hope and Remembrance
On International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, 2023 we invite you to join us for a Ceremony of Hope and Remembrance at City Hall in memory of lives lost due to the toxic drug crisis.
Our ceremony will begin at 10:00 am at Barrie City Halk, Barrie, Ontario.
It will include raising of the IOAD flag by community members in memory lost due to the toxic drug crisis, a moment of silence followed by words of remembrance and hope.
We will have community partners on site sharing information about Harm reduction and handing out Naloxone kits.
Trained grief support volunteers will be on hand to offer support to those who need it.
As purple is the colour of IOAD people are invited to wear purple.
We invite members of our community who have lost loved ones due to drug related harms who would like to participate in our empty chair project or have their loved one's photo and name added to our photo banner to email christine@ryanshopebarrie.ca
Check our website for more information
Vigil of Hope and Remembrance
August 31st, 2023 is International Overdose Awareness Day
We invite you to join us for a vigil of hope and remembrance at Barrie City Halk, Barrie, Ontario, at 8;00 pm on August31st.
In honour of those we have lost and those in our community that are still struggling we will gather for a time of remembrance, celebration and mourning.
We will gather first to share a meal together as friends and neighbours followed by our vigil in memory of lost loved ones.
Speakers from our community that have been directly impacted by the toxic drug crisis will be sharing their stories, followed by prayers, song a moment of silence and candlelight vigil in memory of those we lost.
If you would like to participate in our empty chair project or have your loved one’s photo added to our photo banner email their photo and name to christine@ryanshopebarrie.ca
Check our website for more information
Burlington
Date: 31/08/2023
Time: 3:30 pm and 8:00 pm (or later depending on darkness)
Location: Burlington City Hall, 426 Brant Street, Burlington, ON – 3:30 pm – flag raising, proclamation and speakers
Spencer Smith Park by the Pier, 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON -8:00 pm (or dusk if earlier) – Candlelight vigil
Cambridge - August 25
Cambridge International Overdose Awareness Day Events
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed annually on August 31st and is an internationally recognized as a day of remembrance for individuals that have died from overdose/drug poisoning. The day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the grief felt by the family, friends, and communities who are impacted by substance use related loss.
This year for International Overdose Awareness Day, the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy’s Harm Reduction Work Group will be hosting two local events to grieve and memorialize the hundreds of people lost to preventable drug poisoning events.
· Cambridge: Friday August 25th 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Cambridge Soper Park (120 Shade St, Cambridge, ON)
· Kitchener: Thursday August 31st 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Willow River (Victoria) Park (4 Park St, Kitchener, ON)
The events will include a memorial activities including the purple markers and community members with lived/living experience will be our guest speakers sharing their experiences. There will also be information and support about harm reduction services and programs, including resources and support services, and access to information about overdose prevention, including 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 Harm Reduction Work Group. The Sanguen Health Van will provide on-site access to harm reduction supplies.
Everyone is welcome!
Guelph
Please open your calendar and mark the following dates and times to attend Drug Poisoning Awareness Day (formerly Overdose Awareness Day) events this August. This year you have two opportunities to publicly honour and grieve the people whose lives have been lost to drug poisoning, as well as demand change to help prevent further deaths:
Mount Forest:
On Thursday, August 24 we will gather in Mount Forest, at King and Main Street, noon – 1pm
Guelph:
On Thursday, August 31, we will gather at the City Hall in Guelph from 11:30am- 11:50am to advocate that our municipal government support drug policy change to prevent further deaths.
Afterwards, at 11:50am we will walk to Royal Bank Plaza in downtown Guelph
12-1pm we will gather in the plaza to honour & remember those we have lost unnecessarily to the drug poisoning epidemic.
Each event will host speakers, a die-in & moment of silence, and pizza.
The Aug 31st event will also be live streamed on the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Facebook Page.
T-shirts that help support the Pathways to Remembering Memorial can be purchased before August 3rd
"More information on our website"
Hamilton - Event 1
August 31, 2023
Awareness Day | 6pm to 8pm screening | 8pm to 9pm panel discussion
The Westdale | 1014 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1L4
Hamilton - Event 2
August 31, 2023, 10:00am - 02:00pm
LOCATION: City Hall Forecourt, 71 Main Street West, Hamilton ON L8P 4Y5
Join us as we raise awareness about the overdose crisis, the toxic drug supply and its impact on our community.
Together, we will recognize, and support community members impacted by overdose and drug poisoning, acknowledging their grief and honoring those we have lost.
We will combat stigma and the dehumanization of people who use drugs by promoting empathy, understanding and open conversations.
AGENDA
Welcome & Opening Ceremonies 10:30 am
Speakers 11 am
Lunch 12:30 pm
#StandWithUs #WeSeeYou
More information HERE
Kingston
Kingstong International Overdose Awareness Day Event
See poster for more information
Kitchener
Kitchener International Overdose Awareness Day Events
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed annually on August 31st and is an internationally recognized as a day of remembrance for individuals that have died from overdose/drug poisoning. The day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the grief felt by the family, friends, and communities who are impacted by substance use related loss.
This year for International Overdose Awareness Day, the Waterloo Region Integrated Drug Strategy’s Harm Reduction Work Group will be hosting two local events to grieve and memorialize the hundreds of people lost to preventable drug poisoning events.
· Cambridge: Friday August 25th 12:00 – 2:00 pm at Cambridge Soper Park (120 Shade St, Cambridge, ON)
· Kitchener: Thursday August 31st 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Willow River (Victoria) Park (4 Park St, Kitchener, ON)
The events will include a memorial activities including the purple markers and community members with lived/living experience will be our guest speakers sharing their experiences. There will also be information and support about harm reduction services and programs, including resources and support services, and access to information about overdose prevention, including 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 Harm Reduction Work Group. The Sanguen Health Van will provide on-site access to harm reduction supplies.
Everyone is welcome!
Mississauga
IOAD Mississauga August 31st, 2023
-Ceremony & awareness event
-Invited local government officials
-Invited EMS
-Invited members of Harm Reduction services in Misssisauga
-Key note speakers from within the community
Event will start at 7:30pm at the Port Credit Lighthouse (105 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON)
FACEBOOK EVENT INFORMATION
Mount Forest
Please open your calendar and mark the following dates and times to attend Drug Poisoning Awareness Day (formerly Overdose Awareness Day) events this August. This year you have two opportunities to publicly honour and grieve the people whose lives have been lost to drug poisoning, as well as demand change to help prevent further deaths:
Mount Forest:
On Thursday, August 24 we will gather in Mount Forest, at King and Main Street, noon – 1pm
Guelph:
On Thursday, August 31, we will gather at the City Hall in Guelph from 11:30am- 11:50am to advocate that our municipal government support drug policy change to prevent further deaths.
Afterwards, at 11:50am we will walk to Royal Bank Plaza in downtown Guelph
12-1pm we will gather in the plaza to honour & remember those we have lost unnecessarily to the drug poisoning epidemic.
Each event will host speakers, a die-in & moment of silence, and pizza.
The Aug 31st event will also be live streamed on the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy Facebook Page.
T-shirts that help support the Pathways to Remembering Memorial can be purchased before August 3rd
"More information on our website"
North Bay
North Bay International Overdose Awareness Day Events
Time: 04:00 pm
Location: At North Bay’s Leger Square (outside of City Hall). A Overdose Memorial Garden is permanently located across the street.
200 McIntyre St E, North Bay, ON P1B 8V6
We will gather to honour those we have lost from an overdose, and support those who are struggling (family, friends, community members).
Event will start at 4:00p.m until 7:00p.m.
Event will include:
• Opening Ceremonies: with speakers of lived experience.
• Drumming
• Info/support booths from various local community partners
• Naloxone Training
• Harm Reduction Supplies
• Sharing Circle
• Honouring at the Overdose Awareness Gardens (opportunity to place a memorial item in gardens)
• Food, and swag items available
North Bay Overdose Awareness Facebook Page
Ottawa - Dundonald Park
This International Overdose Awareness Day, SAPWUD (Solidarity Alliance of People Who Use Drugs) is hosting their first annual candlelight vigil to honour the many lives lost to so-called Canada's unregulated drug supply.
This genocidal war on people who use drugs has led to over 36,000 casualties, and our loved ones continue to perish to overdose deaths directly attributed to so-called Canada's failing prohibitionist drug policies.
Please join us at Dundonald Park (516 Somerset St W, Ottawa) from 8 pm to 10 pm on August 31st, 2023, as we unite to light candles and pay tribute to those we have lost.
Candles and refreshments will be provided for all attendees.
All are welcome to join.
Ottawa - Elgin Street
August 31, 2023
International Overdose Awareness Day.
Please join us at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre’s event to remember the loved ones we’ve lost to toxic drug poisoning.
Where:Human Rights Monument
220 Elgin Street, Ottawa
11:30 a.m.– 1:00p.m.
All are welcome.
A time to remember. A time to act.
Peterborough - August 24
August 24, 2023
The annual flag raising for International Overdose Awareness Day in Peterborough has been set for 10am on Thursday August 24.
Afterward, volunteers will be going around town to put up rosettes and posters.
We would love to see you there!
#EndOverdoseNow
#stigmakills
#IOAD2023
Peterborough
August 31, 2023
Silver Bean Cafe - 1pm to 3pm
Featuring harm reduction agencies including PARN, ELIZABETH FRY & HEALTH UNIT PARAMEDICS and MSORT which is a street outreach program with paramedics on hand.
Naloxone training and many speakers including Moms Stop The Harm members and people in recovery
St. Catherines
August 31, 2023
International Overdose Awareness Day, observed on August 31st, spreads the message that overdose deaths are preventable.
Every year, we lose thousands of people from drug overdose globally. Some survive but suffer a permanent injury, with devastating impact to their friends and families.
The opioid crisis in our region has taken our family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbours.
According to the Niagara Region from January to May 2023, there were 259 opioid overdoses that have been responded to by EMS. In 2021 there were 163 confirmed opioid related deaths in the region. This is approximately 14 deaths per month.
The Niagara Region is not immune to the opioid crisis and we must take action.
Join us on August 31st to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day with a march from City Hall to Silver Spire United Church in St. Catharines where a gathering/vigil will be held.
This year Positive Living Niagara is collaborating with OPIRG Brock, Willow Arts Collective, Silver Spire United Church and CASON to facilitate this event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to memorialize their loved ones, share their experiences with others, express frustration at the lack of action related to this crisis, connect with social services in the region, and engage in an event dedicated to practising social justice in the region.
A goal of this event is to demonstrate that community includes everyone. This is a response to consistent practices of displacement and NIMBY-ism [Not In My Backyard] directed at people who use drugs in the Niagara region. Food will be provided and naloxone training will be available onsite for anyone wishing to be trained. The Strong Water Singers will be performing at this event, speakers will be sharing their experiences to attendees, and Willow Arts will be coordinating a collaborative art project to commemorate the event.
Event Schedule:
- 5:00pm – 5:30pm: Rally at St. Catharines City Hall with a performance by the Strong Water Singers
- 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Community march from City Hall to Silver Spire
- 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Gathering at Silver Spire with speakers, community partner information booths, a collaborative art project, snacks, and refreshments
2023 IOAD Event Organizing Team
- Positive Living Niagara (www.positivelivingniagara.com)
- OPIRG Brock (www.opirgbrock.com)
- Silver Spire (www.silverspire.ca)
- Willow Arts Community (www.thewillowcommunity.com)
-Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON) (https://cason.ca/)
Getting involved - for each of these positions, please email klabatte@positivelivingniagara.com for follow up on getting involved:
- We are encouraging all folks to make signs, make noise (chants, pots & spoons, noise makers, etc.).
- Marshaling
- Photographer
- Assisting with set up and tear down
- Chant Leaders
- If you will be bringing a megaphone, please email info@opirgbrock.com to let us know!
Contact Info
- If you have a question about the event, please email klabatte@positivelivingniagara.com
- If you are a reporter or representative from the media, please send all media inquires to Talia Storm at tstorm@positivelivingniagara.com
- Social Media Tags Hashtags - if you share promotion or photos from the event to social media, please use the hashtags: #IOAD2023 or #communityiseveryone
FACEBOOK EVENT LINK
St. Marys
Aug 31, 2023 at 9:00 am at the town hall at 175 Queen St East, St. Marys, Ontario
Guest speakers including Moms Stop The Harm members
A paramedic will be on hand as well as a representative from CMHA.
Tiny - August 30
See poster for details
Toronto - Event 1
#IOAD2023 #WeSeeYou
Toronto City Hall IOAD Flag Raising event.
August 31st @ 11:30am
Please join us.
A TIME TO REMEMBER, A TIME TO ACT
Agenda:
11:30 - Land Acknowledgement (APPA)
11:33 - Welcome (ACCHO)
11:36 - Mayor or Representative
11:41 - MPP Jill Andrews
11:44 - MPP Wong-Tam
11:48 - Black CAP (Cassandra Smith)
11:52 - FAR (Angie Hamilton)
11:56 - Flags of Hope (Irene)
12:00 - Raising of IOAD Flag
Toronto - Event 2
Aug. 31st, 4pm - 8pm at the 519 - Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St, Toronto ON
Street Health, along with the 519, Oahas, Pasan and TO2AN will host an event outside, free to everyone.
There will be a bbq, sacred fire and firekeeper, speakers, candle lit vigil, drummers, art table, dancers, harm reduction supplies, naloxone training, etc. A community gathering.
For More Information on Street Health organization
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND EVENTS
QUEBEC EVENTS
Lavaltrie
Date: August 31, 2023 IOAD 2023 ( JISS 2023)
Time: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Information: Event (in French). There will snacks and beverages; a photo booth; testimonials; collective art piece; a candlelight vigil and more.
Location: 1341 rue Notre-Dame, Lavaltrie, QC, J5T OC7
For more information: Maureen Riopel coordination@trlavaltrie.com
Website or Event Link: http://www.travailderuelavaltrie.org
Longueuil - 29 Août
Consultez l'affiche pour plus d'informations et inscrivez-vous pour y assister.
Priere de confirmer votre presence aupres de Mylene au 483-221-1489 ou au m.gervais@macadamsud.org
Nous espérons vous voir à l'événement
>
Montreal
🌹Le 31 août 2023, l'AQPSUD et ses partenaires organisent la Journée Internationale de Sensibilisation aux Surdoses pour une 10ième année consécutive.
De 16 à 18h : Commémoration des personnes disparues, prise de parole, micro ouvert, prestations musicales, kiosques, matériel de réduction des méfaits et bouffe gratuite!
En soirée : Illumination. Encore une fois on vous invite à illuminer vos locaux et/où porter du mauve et partager un statut sur les réseaux sociaux avec #illuminationjiss, #jiss2023 et #jissaqpsud
POUR PLUS D'IMFORMATION
SASKATCHEWAN EVENTS
Regina - Event 1
Regina IOAD Event; August 31st; at Mamaweyatitan Centre.
See poster below for times!
Thank-you>hank-you Pam Belanger and your team for organizing this event.
Community coming together to honour all those who have died and family/friends left behind.
MomsStopTheHarm will have an info table and host Memory Path. Memory Path is a sacred space...a safe space.
If you'd like, please bring a picture of your loved one and place it on the table. Purple ribbons will be available (free). The pictures of loved ones that were on the table last year, will be on the table this year as well. Contact Saskatchewan Overdose Awareness Group if you'd like to send a picture before the event.
Thank-you Wascana Flower Shoppe for graciously donating a purple flower arrangement for the Memory Path table 💜. We appreciate your support.
Regina - Event 2
Please join All Nations Hope Network and the Opioid Addiction Treatment Clinic for a community gathering and free BBQ in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday August 31, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:30pm at 2735 5th Avenue Regina, SK.
The event will begin with opening prayers led by Elder Harry Francis, followed by guest speakers, drummers and singers, and a free BBQ. Local community-based organizations will be in attendance to provide information at resource booths and nurses will be available for HIV, Hep C, and STBBI testing.
All those who participate in naloxone training will be entered to win a gift basket.
MomsStopTheHarm members Cheryl Deschene, Kelly Csada, Krista Mansbridge and Jenny Churchill will host an info table at this event.
Please join us in remembering our children and honouring all those lost to this devastating crisis.
REAL confirmed that Mosaic Stadium will be lit in support of IOAD 💜
Saskatoon
Join us in person for a day of remembrance, advocacy, and community relationship building. Tap the promotion for details and tap "Going" so we know you'll be there!
There will be a silent auction and 50/50 draw with proceeds going to Prairie Harm Reduction's Supervised consumption site and Possibilities Recovery Center.
This event is open to the public, free to attend, and will be held in honour of those who love someone who uses drugs or have lost someone to drug related harms.
Doors open at 10am - 10:30 am Opening Prayer
10:45 am Speaker (Dr. Barb Fornssler / School of Public Health) speaking on reducing stigma amongst service providers
11:15 am Networking
12:00 pm Lunch (provided)
1:00 pm Speaker (E.D Elizabeth Fry Society Sask, Nicole Obrigavitch) Speaking on the housing crisis and Saskatchewan’s
over populated Prison System
1:30 pm Hard Knox Talks Live stream podcast production from the stage with guest, (To be determined)
3:00 pm Speaker (E.D. Possibilities Recovery Center, Tanner Parrett) Speaking on the efficacy of community
partnerships
3:30 pm Networking
4:30 pm Silent Auction and 50/50 winner announcements (Proceeds split between Possibilities Recovery Centre and Prairie Harm Reduction’s Supervised Consumption Site.)
4:45 pm Supper (provided)
5:30 pm Off to the Roxy for Social Justice YXE’s screening of “Love in the time of Fentanyl”
After screening a panel discussion will be held featuring Erin Beckwell | Clinical Instructor, U of R Social Work
Marie Agioritis | Moms Stop the Harm Kayla Demong & Dean Borson | Prairie Harm Reduction
Ian McGillivray | Opioid Assisted Recovery Services and more.
9:00 pm Candlelight vigil at the
Roxy Theatre to remember loved ones lost to the drug poisoning crisis. Vigil will be hosted by Patricia Whitebear from Family Addiction Healing Circle and Laurie Sanders from Stronger Together Canada featuring talks from Owen Pelletier from Prestigious Pelletier Productions, Daniel Hearn from Hard Knox Talks and Patricia Whitebear.
9:45pm Close
Throughout the day, Patricia Whitebear from the Family Healing Circle and Laurie Sanders from Stronger Together Canada will be located in the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan’s main office offering a safe space to smudge, pray, and remember those lost to drug related harms. We will also be providing space to place ribbons, light candles, and to display images of those we wish to remember on this day.
We would like to thank the following organizations for supporting and participating in this event.
Prairie Harm Reduction
The Elizabeth Fry Society
New Earth Therapy
The FASD Network of Saskatchewan
Prairie Sky Recovery Centre
The Family Addictions Healing Circle
Healing Spirits Kambo
Super Patch
STR8UP
Stronger Together Canada
Possibilities Recovery Center
The College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
The School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan
Station 20 West
FACEBOOK EVENT INFORMATION LINK
Saskatoon - Love In The Time Of Fentanyl Screening
Film Screening: Film screening at the Roxy Theatre in Saskatoon at 6:30pm
The Saskatoon Branch- Social Justice Committee in partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) are pleased to host a free film screening of Love in the Time of Fentanyl, in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day, on August 31st!
The film screening will begin at 18:30 hours and the screen run time is 80 minutes. A post-film panel discussion will occur from 20:00-21:00 to conclude the evening.
There is no cost to attend the film screening, however, we will be collecting donations for Prairie Harm Reduction/AIDS Walk at the event. We look forward to having you join us for this important film and discussion.
Classification: 14A
Advisories: Substance Abuse; Mature Subject Matter
Length: 80 minutes
To Register