August 31 - International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is a day to remember those who have died from an overdose, acknowledge the grief of their loved ones, and advocate for more overdose prevention resources within our community.   

Though rates of substance use are disproportionately high among those experiencing chronic homelessness, these individuals are not substance users because they are experiencing homelessness. Instead, access to harm reduction resources and supports becomes limited because these individuals are unhoused, and do not have a safe space to live and manage their health.  

 Ending accidental death as a result of overdose requires all of us to advocate for evidence-based interventions, support safe consumption spaces, make Naloxone training and kits accessible to all, and call on our government to adopt policies that will help vulnerable members within our community whose cries often go unheard and struggles unseen until it is too late. 

This year alone, 22 Nova Scotians have lost their lives due to an overdose. Today, we recognize those who are affected by overdoses, but too often go unseen. Special thanks to the team at Direction 180, Mainline and Refix for coordinating today’s programming and their continuous efforts to prevent overdoses and promote harm reduction within our community. 

#endoverdose  

- Trina James, Culture and Diversity Manager