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

Overdose Awareness Day to be marked in Chatham-Kent

Drug poisonings are on the rise in Chatham-Kent, making International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 31 even more important.

The Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council (CKDAC) will mark the day with a pair of events.

"We'll be having a memorial service, guest speakers, food, local musical talent, art activities, and also Naloxone training and substance use education," said Jordynne Lindsay, Director of the CKDAC. "These events are free to attend and everyone is welcome."

Both of the events planned for Wednesday, one in Chatham at Hope Haven and the other in Wallaceburg at the James Street Drop In, will run from 3-8 p.m.

Lindsay added that the Naloxone training is very important.

"It's one tangible thing that we can all do to prevent unnecessary deaths in our community, and to empower people to take action," said Lindsay, also noting that the day is more important than ever, with overdoses on the rise in Chatham-Kent.

"CK right now is experiencing among the highest rates of drug poisoning-related harms in Ontario," said Lindsay. "But these are just not numbers, these are people, they're community members, they matter and their deaths are preventable."

Lindsay said the day is also one way to shed light on the causes of drug poisonings.

"Including things like failed drug policy, the toxic unregulated drug supply, and the war on people who use drugs. It's also a time to come together and remember those who have died, honour their families and friends, and take action to end the drug poisoning epidemic."

For more information about the events, visit www.ckdac.ca.

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