International Overdose Awareness Day. (Photo courtesy of Steve Pratt).International Overdose Awareness Day. (Photo courtesy of Steve Pratt).
Chatham

Shedding Light On Overdoses

Several cities around the world are getting ready to shed light on a growing issue and raise awareness on drug overdoses.

International Overdose Awareness Day is on August 31.

Steve Pratt, community development coordinator for the AIDS committee of Windsor, says this year's theme is "A Time To Remember, And A Time To Act."

The opioid crisis has become more prominent over the years, which is part of what prompted this year's theme. Pratt says it'll help convey the message, that measures are being taken in each community to tackle the issue.

"These overdose deaths are preventable," he says. "What we're really trying to do is show these communities who are currently going through a crisis situation that we are listening, we are doing the public education, and that these deaths aren't in vain."

"It's starting to be dubbed already as the AIDS crisis of this generation," says Pratt. "Ontario's opioid related overdoses have risen to record levels, every year since 2000."

With the attention opioids have gotten, Pratt says a lot more people are stepping forward in wanting to help or learn about the issue.

"When you look at a recent report that was released from the Ministry of Health called 'The Ontario Narcotics Atlas' it lists that the Erie St. Clair LHIN has more opioids dispensed per capita than any other region in Ontario," he says. "So if you have high-dose opioids that are in your home, being able to know how to respond to an overdose situation -- should that happen, couldn't hurt.

The day will be marked with events in Chatham, open to those who are willing to travel down Hwy. 401. It'll take place at Blythe Park at 7pm and will end with a water lantern ceremony to remember those who have died because of an overdose.

Further details on International Overdose Awareness Day can be found here.

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