Two groups in Chatham-Kent are again joining forces to remember those who have overdosed from drugs.
Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) and the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council (CKDAC) will be honouring them on Thursday ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2024.
R.O.C.K. and Chatham-Kent Public Health said the idea of the event is to draw attention to the root causes of drug poisonings, including ineffective drug policies, the toxic unregulated drug market, and stigma.
R.O.C.K. Executive Director Renee Geniole said substance use affects people from all walks of life. However, the drug poisoning tragedy impacts certain groups more than others because of systemic forms of oppression, adding Black and Indigenous communities, people without housing, and those identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ experience disproportionate impacts.
Among all opioid toxicity deaths across the country, 88 per cent involved opioids that were from non-pharmaceutical sources, according to the Government of Canada.
"In other words, the drug poisoning tragedy and its toll on emergency health services are not caused by prescription opioids. The crisis is being driven by the unregulated drug market, specifically fentanyl and other high-potency opioids," said Geniole citing Government of Canada statistics.
Chatham-Kent Public Health said the municipality appears to be trending in a similar direction as the worst year on record and recently reported CK had more suspected drug deaths since January than in all of 2023.
Geniole noted collaboration is crucial to addressing the drug poisoning epidemic and finding solutions, but so is remembrance.
"These deaths are preventable. Together we can create a more compassionate community. We can acknowledge each other's pain and grief, and ensure that those who are struggling receive the support they need," Chatham-Kent Public Health officials said.
International Overdose Awareness Day events will be held at the R.O.C.K. drop-in centres at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham and at 233 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 3-6 p.m. to remember those who have died, honour the grief of family and friends left behind, and take action to end the drug poisoning tragedy.
The free events will include food and refreshments, local musicians, art therapy activities, naloxone training, and substance use education.
CK Public Health suggests the following to remember and take action:
Paint a stone purple and write a message. Give the stone to someone you love or place it in a safe public space that is meaningful to you for others to see.
Offer space and a listening ear to someone who has been affected by the drug poisoning epidemic.
Post a tribute on the International Overdose Awareness Day website.
Know that you are not alone. Reach out to someone you trust or call the Mental Health First Response Line at 1-866-299-7447 or Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310.
Click here for more information and how to help combat stigma and prevent drug poisonings.