International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

CK Public Health, Reach Out Chatham-Kent, and the Community Drug Strategy invite you to join in honouring International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2026. Each year in August partners come together to remember individuals whose lives were cut short by preventable drug toxicities, and to re-imagine how we can co-create a safe, caring, and inclusive future for our community. This year, our theme is Every Story. Every Path. Every Life Matters.

Here are some ways you can take action:

• Attend the online learning session on Tuesday August 25^th 12-1pm to learn from renowned Nursing Leader, Parent Advocate, and Moms Stop The Harm Champion, Kathy Moreland. Kathy will share her lived experience journey as a mother who lost her 18-year-old son, Austin, to fentanyl toxicity. Email jordynne.linsday@ckoht.ca to register
  
  

• Attend the in-person memorial gathering on Wednesday August 26^th anytime from 3-6pm at 39 Richmond St., Chatham.
  • OR drop-in on Thursday August 27^th 4-7pm at 233 Nelson St. in Wallaceburg.
  • Food and refreshments, music, art, and resources will be provided. All are welcome.
    
    

• Use person-first, non-stigmatizing language to support individuals to seek help, provide equitable substance use health services, and encourage unbiased, effective policy. Research shows the words we use shape the care people who use substances receive and the opportunities available to them.
  
  

• Carry a Naloxone kit and learn how to respond to an acute drug toxicity.
  
  

• Learn more about substance use stigma and drug policy in Canada. Share what you learn with others in your circles.
  
  

• Plan a Compassionate Approaches training for your team/organization to learn with and from People With Lived and Living Expertise.
  
  

• Advocate for evidence-based solutions to the drug toxicity crisis such as early prevention, voluntary treatment, harm reduction, and supportive housing.
  
  

• Wear purple on August 31^st to show your support.