Local health unit recognizes overdose awareness

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day this Thursday. The organization is acknowledging all of those who have lost their lives, and those who have been left behind, due to drug poisoning and promoting community events to raise awareness.

International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual global event to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Officials say acknowledging the grief, raising awareness of the overdose crisis, and ending the stigma associated with overdose deaths are the focus of the following events taking place across the HKPR district, including Cobourg, Port Hope, Lindsay, and Haliburton.

They add the 2023 theme ‘Recognizing those people who go unseen,’ honours the people whose lives have been altered by overdose. They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.

“Every drug poisoning is someone’s loved one. Today, let’s take the time to remember the ones we’ve lost, the ones left behind, and those who are doing the critical work to help prevent more drug poisoning fatalities,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, and Chief Executive Officer for the HKPR District Health Unit.

In collaboration with the John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, Green Wood Coalition, Moms Stop the Harm, PARN, and Ontario Network of People Who Use Drugs, a number of community events are being held.