Each year in August, Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) and the Chatham-Kent Drug
Awareness Council (CKDAC) honour International Overdose Awareness Day. On this
day, we draw attention to the root causes of drug poisonings, including ineffective drug
policies, the toxic unregulated drug market, and stigma.

Substance use affects people from all walks of life. However, the drug poisoning
tragedy impacts certain groups more than others. This is because of systemic forms of
oppression. For example, Black and Indigenous communities, people without housing,
and those identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ experience disproportionate impacts.

Drug Poisoning Trends

“Today, in Ontario, 8 people will die due to toxic drug poisoning” (Centre for Addiction
and Mental Health, 2023).

Among all opioid toxicity deaths across the country, 88% involved opioids that were
from non-pharmaceutical sources. 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 (Government of Canada, 2023).

The rates of drug toxicity emergency department visits and deaths in CK have
increased greatly since the pandemic and continue to be well above the provincial
average. In the first quarter of 2024, the rate of opioid poisoning deaths in CK have
been among the highest across Ontario. With 9 deaths already reported for the first
quarter of 2024, CK appears to be trending in a similar direction as the worst year on
record.

“Together We Can”

This year, the theme of International Overdose Awareness Day is “Together we can.”
Collaboration is crucial to addressing the drug poisoning epidemic. As we strive to find
effective solutions, we must also remember the lives lost. 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.

“You will never be able to walk in someone else’s shoes because their story is their
own, and their perspective, their lens…is their own. You can only walk beside them,
and listen, and believe them when they share the gift of their story with you.” (Peer
Outreach Worker, R.O.C.K.)

International Overdose Awareness Day Events in Chatham and Wallaceburg

Please join us for two community events on Thursday August 29th from 3:00-6:00pm to
remember those who have died, honour the grief of family and friends left behind, and
take action to end the drug poisoning tragedy. Events will take place at Reach Out
Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K.) Drop-Ins located at 39 Richmond Street in Chatham and 233
Nelson Street in Wallaceburg.

The free events will include food and refreshments, local musical talent, art therapy
activities sponsored and facilitated by the CO., naloxone training, and substance use
education. All are welcome.

For more information, please call 519-351-1450 or follow reachoutck on Facebook and
Instagram.