International Overdose Awareness Day 2021
Events in Ontario
Event Ceremony & Vigil of Hope and Remembrance
Organizer Ryan’s Hope
Details
August 31, 2021 at 10:00am & 8:00pm
Meridian Place, Barrie, ON
Event Description
10:00am: On International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st, 2021 we invite you to join us for a Ceremony of Hope and Remembrance at City Hall in memory of lives lost due to the toxic drug crisis.
Our ceremony will begin at 10:00 am and will include the lowering of flags in memory of those lost due to the toxic drug crisis, a moment of silence followed by words of remembrance and hope.
The Gilbert Centre will be on-site sharing information about Harm reduction and handing out Naloxone kits. Hospice Simcoe will be on hand to offer grief support.
As purple is the colour of IOAD people are invited to wear purple.
As August is International Overdose Awareness Month people are invited to tie purple ribbons around their trees in remembrance of lives lost.
In keeping with COVID health guidelines, we are limiting the size of the gathering to 100 people. Those attending are reminded to keep 6 feet apart from those not in their household and to wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible. Masks will be provided for those that need one.
8:00pm In honour of International Overdose Awareness Day and in memory of lives lost due to the toxic drug crisis we invite you to join us for a candlelight vigil at Meridian Place at 8:00 pm on August 31st.
There will some songs of remembrance followed by a moment of silence, some words by family and friends of those lost and lightning of candles (battery operated)
Our Flags of Hope will be a part of these ceremonies after which time they will be displayed in the downtown branch of the Barrie Library for a limited time.
As purple is the colour of IOAD people are invited to wear purple.
As August is International Overdose Awareness Month people are invited to tie purple ribbons around their trees in remembrance of lives lost.
In keeping with COVID health guidelines, we are limiting the size of the gathering to 100 people. Purple ribbons will be handed as people arrive. Those attending are reminded to keep 6 feet apart from those not in their household and to wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible. Masks will be provided for those that need one
Event Brantford’s 3rd Annual International Overdose Awareness Day & Screening of Indisposable: A Devised Theatre Exploration Into Brantford's Opioid Epidemic
Organizer Brantford Substance Users Network
Details
August 30, at 7:00pm
Victoria Park, 65 Market St, Brantford, ON, N3T 2Z7
Screening: August 28, 29, 31
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Live on Zoom in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day
Admission by Donation
Event Description
Candlelight vigil the night before on August 30, 7pm.
With Verbatim Theatre Consultation by Sophie Munden and Lived Experience Dramaturgy by Randy Roberts, Addictions & Harm Reduction Advocate
Created in partnership and consultation with Brantford Substance Users Network, Brant Theatre Workshops, Brant County Health Unit, Brantford Public Library, Canadian Mental Health Association, Community Legal Clinic, Grand River Community Health Centre, Off-Key Productions, St. Leonard's Community Services, & Wesley
Statistics show that Brantford has one of the highest opioid overdose and hospitalization rates in Canada. In an effort to raise awareness for and to understand this local crisis, Grandview Theatre Company presents a professionally devised theatre production about Brantford's opioid epidemic, based on recorded interviews with community members who have lived experience of substance use.
The play will premiere digitally on August 28, 29 and 31 from 7pm-8pm, live on Zoom. Each performance will be followed by an (optional) short community discussion and interactive visioning exercise centered around the question "where do we go from here?". The play is being offered by donation.
Please note: this production contains sensitive, potentially triggering content and is not suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Event Ceremony & Vigil of Hope and Remembrance
Organizer Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy and ARCH - HIV / AIDS Resources & Community Health
Details
August 31st at 12pm at St. George's square
Event Description
Join us on August 31st at 12pm at St.George's square Guelph for a short gathering and die-in to honour the lives of local community members who have died as a result of drug poisoning.
Anyone who wants to show their support & honour those we have lost to drug poisoning is welcome.
Why: We will gather to share our grief, and to energize ourselves to do the work that is needed to end the drug poisoning crisis. Too many lives have been lost.
How: Show up in person or watch the live-stream on the WGDS facebook page. Wear your “Support Not Stigma” or “I Remember” t-shirt to the event (you do not need a t-shirt to attend). Post yourself on social media in your t-shirt. Feel free to bring a picture or memento of a loved one lost to opioid poisoning.
More info from Wellington-Guelph Drug Strategy.
Event Halton Overdose Prevention & Education (HOPE) Committee’s International Overdose Awareness Day 2021 event
Organizer Halton Overdose Prevention & Education (HOPE) Committee
Details
Virtual event, August 31st, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Description
You are invited to Halton Overdose Prevention & Education (HOPE) Committee’s International Overdose Awareness Day 2021 event! This Opioid Overdose Awareness and Prevention Workshop, will include opioid-related education, lived experience guest speaking and sharing of local trends.
Virtual event, August 31st, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Time to remember. Time to act.
This event is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Event International Overdose Awareness Day: Time to Act. Time to Remember
Organizer PARN
Details
August 31st, 2021
Haliburton: 10am-12pm at Head Lake Park, Haliburton ON
Lindsay: 4pm-7pm at Victoria Park, Lindsay ON
Event Description
International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember without stigma those who have died, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and have open conversations about overdose response.
A group of concerned community partners are coming together as one to raise awareness and help end the stigma surrounding overdose. We are inviting you to come and do the same!
This will be a time for remembering those we have lost to overdose and share stories. Place a button for your loved one on our overdose awareness travelling flag. A Naloxone pop-up will be offered and refreshments will be made available to all.
Help break the chains of stigma so others can receive the support they need!
This is a health issue, not a criminal issue.
Event Overdose Awareness Day
Details
Victoria Park Clock Tower, August 31, Drop in: 11:00am – 6:30pm, Vigil at 6:30pm – 8pm
Event Description
A two part event will be taking place at Victoria Park Clock Tower. A group of community members will be hosting a drop-in from 11:00am – 6:30pm. The drop-in will be for; public education, creating a space for the community to come together to learn from different experiences and perspectives. To help bridge the larger community’s understanding of substance use, stigma and structural issues. It will consist of a visual reminder of the 370+ unique individuals who have passed away since 2017 in Waterloo Region. As well as a self guided education tour of this health crisis, including Naloxone distribution and training, support circles, music and art.
The day will end with a Vigil at 6:30pm – 8pm for those community members who are impacted by this health crisis. There will be speeches, stories, poems, and songs shared by those who are living this reality every day. Pizza (limited) and drinks will be available for our folks.
We believe in solidarity, we ask others who have been directly or indirectly impacted to come together to mourn, support, and learn what can be done to end any further preventable deaths. We invite you to come join in conversations on how we can shift the dialogue and the responsibility in this crisis by asking for change at all levels of government, including our Region. To do this, we are asking everyone to show up as individuals, not representing a job or organization but as humans who care. No organization is running this event, just affected community members. Everyone is invited, everyone is welcome. Please help spread the word.
On the Day:
1) Follow Covid-19 safety measures; practice social distancing, wear a mask
2) Wear purple or black (or your Supportive Shirts)
3) There is limited parking but there is nearby street parking on (Roland St, Schneider St, David St and Dill St)
If you would like to get involved, volunteer, support the event or have questions please email OverdoseAwarenessWR@gmail.com
Event Overdose Awareness Week in North Bay & Area
Organizer Community Drug Strategy North Bay & Area - Harm Reduction Pillar
Details
Register by August 27 for all events:
Week of Events for Mon., August 30 – Fri., September 3, 2021.
Online Naloxone Training – Mon., August 30, 2021 @ 10-11:30 a.m.
Online Opening Ceremonies – Tues., August 31, 2021 @ 1-2 p.m.
Free Snack Bags – Wed., September 1, 2021 – All Day!
Online Substance Use Panel – Thurs., September 2, 2021 @ 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Event Description
https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/international-overdose-awareness-day.asp
harmreductionpillarcdsnb@outlook.com
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. Each year this event aims to raise awareness about overdose and that overdose is preventable. International Overdose Awareness Day remembers those who have died or sustained a permanent injury related to drug use. Join our local International Overdose Awareness Day North Bay (CDSNBA) Planning Committee for a week of events in honour of those who have been affected by overdose.
Registration for all online events is required. To register, Registration for all events closes on Fri., August 27, 2021 @ 12 p.m.
Questions?
Email: harmreductionpillarcdsnb@outlook.com
Week of Events for Mon., August 30 – Fri., September 3, 2021.
Online Naloxone Training – Mon., August 30, 2021 @ 10-11:30 a.m.
Learn how to help save a life. This online training will provide basic information about opioids, signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and how to respond to an opioid overdose. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and will be provided with additional resources.
Please register
Online Opening Ceremonies – Tues., August 31, 2021 @ 1-2 p.m.
Join us for our online International Overdose Awareness Day opening ceremonies in remembrance of those affected by overdose. We will be discussing the importance of OAD, on-going concerns, week of events, etc. Please register
Free Snack Bags – Wed., September 1, 2021 – All Day!
Free snack bags, that include harm reduction messaging, on Wednesday. To pick up a snack bag in North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, Parry Sound, or Mattawa, please find more information here.
Online Substance Use Panel – Thurs., September 2, 2021 @ 1:30-3:30 p.m.
An interactive live panel of working professionals and individuals with lived experience will discuss the awareness, importance, and prevention of overdoses as we honour those affected by overdose. Panelists will answer your questions, and speak about substance use related trends and work occurring in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts. Prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement perspectives will be provided.
Submit questions in advance using the Google form provided or ask them on the day of the event!
Please register
Other activities you can participate in over the week:
International Overdose Awareness Day Giveaways: Pick-up one of our giveaway packages at the sites listed below, while quantities last. Each package includes a naloxone button, pin, memorial flower packet, pop socket and harm reduction card.
Visit the Overdose Awareness Garden: Write a message on your memorial flower packet to someone affected by overdose. Visit and/or plant the package in the International Overdose Awareness Day garden, located across from City Hall (McIntyre Street) throughout the week. You may also wish to plant you memorial flower packet in your garden at home.
Participate in one of the activities listed above at the following locations, North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, Parry Sound, or Mattawa, please follow this link for more information: https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/international-overdose-awareness-day.asp
Prizes!
Participate in any of the online or in-person activities at the locations above to have your name entered into a draw for a door prize!
Event International Overdose Awareness Day 2021: Northumberland County
Organizer PARN
Details
August 31st, 2021
11am-4pm Outside of Victoria Hall, Cobourg ON
8pm Outside of Victoria Hall, Cobourg ON
Event Description
On Tuesday, August 31st, PARN, Green Wood Coalition, Mom’s Stop the Harm and the HKPR District Health Unit will be hosting two events to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day. From 11am-4pm outside of Victoria Hall in Cobourg, we will be providing free Naloxone training and kits, information about overdose prevention and response, offering Sidewalk Talks for folks to speak to us about anything they wish and creating a visual memorial with flags and rocks with the names of loved ones lost to this crisis. In the evening at 8pm, we will be hosting a candlelight vigil at the same location to share stories about loved ones and offer a safe place of mourning for those who need it.
Event Let's Talk About Overdose Awareness
Organizer PARN
Details
Monday August 23rd - Victoria Park from 2pm until 4pm.
Wednesday August 25th - Peterborough Public Health Unit (*awaiting approval - backup plan across at parkade)
Friday August 27th - Victoria Park from 2pm until 4pm
Monday August 30th - Peterborough Square from 10am until 12pm
Event Description
We will be hosting "pop-up" style art's based gatherings over the week leading up to IOAD.
During the "pop-up's" we be asking community members to engage in purple rock painting, rosette making and ultimately conversations about International Overdose Awareness Day.
MSORT and Peterborough City County Paramedics will be partnering with us for these events and are taking the lead on Naloxone training, conversations and distribution.
Other Events that PARN is supporting/working with collaboratively
PARN is supporting the Mom’s Stop the Harm and Brad’s Bears Initiatives
Brad’s Bears
Fountain in Peterborough to be lit-up purple
Mom’s Stop the Harm Events:
Gail Parry and Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough have arranged for an International Overdose Awareness Day flag to be raised at City Hall on Monday, August 23. The flag will fly through August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day. You are welcome to join us at 11 am on Monday at City Hall for the flag raising.
Following the flag raising, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough will be placing hand-crafted purple rosettes throughout the community to raise awareness of IOAD and memorialize the lives lost to drug poisoning and overdose in our communities.
Gail Parry lost her daughter Jody to drug-related causes three years ago. At Jody’s celebration of life, a friend showed Gail how to turn the purple tablecloths that adorned the tables into beautiful purple flowers. Every year since, Gail has led a team of volunteers in crafting dozens of rosettes and sharing them with the community to recognize the tremendous losses that so many families have experienced.
On August 31, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough will host a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The event will feature the stories of family members who have lost loved-ones as well as information about substance use and overdose prevention and harm reduction training. Representatives from PARN, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and Fourcast will be on-hand. A projector will play a slide show of loved ones lost to overdose & substance related health issues, and there will be a visual display to recognize the lives lost in our community.
If you have lost someone to drug poisoning or overdose and would like to recognize your loved one at the Moms Stop the Harm event on August 31, you can send a photo to dylan@parn.ca or crystal@parn.ca. Dylan and Crystal will ensure that your photo is provided to Moms Stop The Harm to display on August 31.
Event Overdose Awareness Day
95 Pine Street, 11am-2pm
Event Description
Please join us for our annual International Overdose Awareness Day! All are welcomed! There will be food, beverages, games & more.
In addition, we are honoured to announce that elder Nokomis Martina Osawamick will be present with us. We appreciate your time so much. 🙏 & we hope to see you all there!
Thank you & miigwetch
Event Overdose Awareness Day Healing Gathering
Organizers Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction, Equitable Action for Change, Unity Kitchen, Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin
Details
August 31, 4-6pm, Allan Gardens
Event Description
Please join us to honour and remember those we have lost to the drug poisoning epidemic and share hope and love with those still struggling. Ceremony, drumming, dancing, guest speakers & feast.
Event Syme Woolner Overdose Awareness Booth
Organizers Syme Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre
Details
August 31, 1:00 pm
2468 Eglinton Avenue. West, Unit 3, Toronto, Ontario M6M 5E2 – Booth at the park located behind the building
Event Description
In an effort to raise awareness about the ongoing Opioid Crisis we will be hosting a community event on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day. We will be utilizing the park area located directly behind our Head Office location. The area will be decorated with Overdose Awareness posters and purple balloons. There will be a booth set up in which information resources, awareness ribbons, and naloxone kits will be available. Participants will be given an opportunity to take a brief Overdose Awareness quiz to test their knowledge about the ongoing crisis. Meals will be provided by a local restaurant and gift cards will be raffled to participants.
Event Toronto Overdose Awareness Day Flag Raising (AM) and Candlelight Vigil (PM)
Organizers Moms Stop The Harm, SISTERING & Families for Addiction Recovery
Details
August 31
11am – Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto – FLAG RAISING
8PM – Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto (at the south side of the CN Tower) – CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Event Description
Mayor John Tory has proclaimed August 31st Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto, ON, CANADA
• 11:00am, AUGUST 31ST – Mayor John Tory will raise the IOAD FLAG at TORONTO CITY HALL, 100 Queen St. W. Toronto.
View the flag rising from Nathan Phillips Square. Bring a photo of your loved one as we remember them. (Arrive 10:45am)
• 8pm, AUGUST 31st – The CN TOWER will illuminate PURPLE in recognition of INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY.
Join us at Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd for a CANDLELIGHT VIGIL as we remember our loved ones and give strength to those struggling today.
This year Flags of Hope has collaborated with SISTERING and the YORK HERITAGE QUILTERS GUILD to craft quilts of remembrance from our Flags of Hope. These works of art will be on display at Nathan Phillips Square for the morning Flag Raising ceremony and at the base of CN Tower (Roundhouse Park) for the evening illumination and candlelight ceremony.
By holding these events, we are joining a global movement for Understanding, Compassion, Awareness and Change.
Flags of Hope, Change the Face of Addiction: By creating Flags of Hope, we are sending love and light to those who have passed due to drug related harms, and to those currently struggling. They also help raise awareness and strengthen the hope that there will be an end to the current crisis.
Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) is a network of Canadian families whose loved ones died from drug related harms or who have struggled with substance use. We call for an end to the failed war on drugs and embrace an approach that reduces harm and respects human rights. People who use drugs should not be criminalized and must be treated with compassion and respect.
SISTERING is a low-barrier multi-service agency that offers practical and emotional support to marginalized women and diverse trans people through programs, which enable them to take greater control over their lives, including a harm reduction.
Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR) is a national charity founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction from their teens. Our goal is long-term recovery for those with addiction and their families. FAR’s mission is to support families affected by substance use disorder and protect persons struggling with SUD, particularly youth, by promoting publicly-funded, timely, compassionate, evidence-based treatment; supporting research; and working to end stigma.
York Heritage Quilters Guild York strives to preserve the heritage of quilt making as a craft and art form. Our members promote learning, sharing and workmanship with each other and with the community. We will display heritage quilts made by the quilter’s guild from our Flags of Hope
Events
Find more International Overdose Awareness Day events across Canada or worldwide at the International Overdose Awareness Day Campaign website.
Have an event you want listed here? Contact us by email or from our contact page.