August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. As this day approaches, it’s an opportunity to take a collective pause to acknowledge and remember the lives lost in our community due to drug poisoning. The loss is deeply felt by family and friends, and by the larger community, such as first responders, community service support workers and volunteers. Words cannot summarize the impact that this collective loss has had, but we can find our voice to say: “These deaths are preventable!”
Breaking Down the Barriers of Stigma
International Overdose Awareness Day allows us to shed light on the alarming number of deaths caused by opioid poisoning, but also to work to reduce the stigma associated with substance-related deaths. Stigma surrounding people who use substances is one of the most significant obstacles to addressing the opioid crisis effectively. It often prevents individuals from seeking support and harm reduction resources because they fear judgment or discrimination. This stigma is rooted in misconceptions about addiction, which is frequently misunderstood as a moral failing rather than a complex health issue. Substance use disorders are health conditions that require empathy, understanding and comprehensive care. By educating ourselves and others, we can challenge the harmful stereotypes that perpetuate stigma, and ultimately death.
Reality check
The statistics surrounding opioid-related deaths are staggering. In 2023 alone, 3,800 people died in Ontario due to the drug toxicity crisis—an average of 10 people every day. This crisis is not limited to Ontario; since 2016, more than 40,600 people across Canada have lost their lives to opioid-related overdoses. Closer to home, Guelph and Wellington County experienced the highest number of substance-related fatalities on record in 2023, with at least 62 lives lost. Nearly half of those who died from opioid-related toxicity had never been diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, highlighting the often-hidden nature of this crisis.
Substance use in the trades
Men who work in the trades, such as construction, are particularly vulnerable to substance use and the overdose crisis. 3 out of 4 opioid-related deaths are men, and 30%-50% of those employed worked in trades at the time of death. Factors such as physically demanding labor, frequent injuries and high job stress contribute to the increased use of substances like opioids and alcohol as coping mechanisms. The culture within the trades often discourages men from seeking help, further exacerbating the issue.
We all have a role to play
This crisis demands a collective response, where every voice and every action counts. As a member of the community, staying informed, supporting harm reduction initiatives and challenging the stigma associated with substance use, can all help to contribute to a safer and more compassionate community.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health’s role involves supporting those affected by substance use. This includes distributing Naloxone and harm reduction supplies, providing training, maintaining community sharp bins and connecting people to harm reduction and treatment support and services. WDG Public Health also delivers local data and evidence to community partners, helping to inform and guide effective responses to this ongoing crisis. We work closely and collaboratively with many community partners and organizations, including both the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy and the Dufferin Caledon Drug Strategy.
Get Involved: Events and Resources
This International Overdose Awareness Day, there are several community events dedicated to raising awareness, honouring those lost and helping to build a stronger, more informed community.
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Orangeville: August 29, 7pm-8:30pm (Theatre Orangeville) - Tickets are free and can be reserved online or obtained at the door.
Continuing the Conversation
Beyond attending events, you can make a difference by talking to your family and friends about substance use, learning how to help and carrying Naloxone. WDG Public Health offers resources and information on where to obtain take-home Naloxone kits, including pharmacies and other supports and services.
For more information, visit the following resources: