August 30, 2026
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Communities around the world are marking Monday, Aug. 31, as International Overdose Awareness Day.
Residents across Grey and Bruce counties are encouraged to participate by raising awareness, reducing stigma, remembering those who have died from drug poisoning, and supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by substance-related harms.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awareness day. The 2026 campaign theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed,” recognizes the progress made while emphasizing that overdose prevention, harm reduction, access to care, education, and compassionate support, remain essential. Overdose is preventable, and communities have the knowledge and tools to save lives.
The Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy (CDAS) works collaboratively through the Grey Bruce Community Safety and Well-Being framework to address substance use and related harms across the region. The CDAS Strategic Plan 2025–29 identifies five community priorities:
Enhance community safety and reduce the harms of opioids and the poisonous unregulated drug supply
Reduce the harms associated with alcohol use
Prevent and/or delay youth substance use
Increase access to inclusive, culturally-safe, and respectful care, support and services
Reduce stigma and its impact through evidence-informed education, training, and communications
Recent data in Grey-Bruce shows encouraging declines in opioid-related deaths. However, the toxic drug crisis continues to devastate individuals, families, and communities across Canada, where approximately 15 die each day from opioid poisoning.
Local collaboration remains critical. The toxic and unpredictable drug supply continues to create risks, while stigma can prevent people from seeking help and accessing life-saving services. International Overdose Awareness Day provides an opportunity to talk openly about substance use, recognize the personal accounts of people with lived and living experience, support grieving families, and share information about prevention and harm reduction.
Community members are encouraged to “paint their towns purple” by displaying purple lights, ribbons, artwork, or window displays in recognition of the awareness day. These visible signs show support for people affected by overdose, and remind us that compassion, connection and action can save lives.
Naloxone, a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, continues to be an important tool in preventing overdose deaths. Naloxone kits are available through Grey Bruce Public Health, participating pharmacies, and community partners.
Community events recognizing the awareness day, include:
National Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance and Awareness, hosted by the Chippewas of Nawash Mental Health and Addictions Team, Monday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nawash Health Centre, 247 Prairie Road, Neyaashiinigmiing
National Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil and Sacred Fire, hosted by the Saugeen First Nation Wellness Centre and Kabaeshiwim Respite, Monday, Aug. 31, from Noon to 2 p.m., 107 Cameron Drive
Twenty-five years on, International Overdose Awareness Day is still needed. Together, we can reduce stigma, strengthen our communities, support recovery, and save lives.
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