Joint Media Release: Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day

Communities around the world will come together on Monday, August 31, 2026, to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD).
TEXT: Overdose does not discriminate.

Communities around the world will come together on Monday, August 31, 2026, to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). 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 International Overdose 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 2025–2029 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 IOAD. 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 IOAD include:

National Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance and Awareness
hosted by the Chippewas of Nawash Mental Health & Addictions Team
Monday, August 31, 2026
11 a.m. – 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, August 31, 2026
12 – 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.

What is the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP) Grey-Bruce?  

Community Safety and Well Being Planning helps organizations improve the things that keep us healthy, happy, and safe. Together, we use research to create solutions focused on education, health care, food, housing, income, crime, and belonging. It is important that we create a welcoming community where problems are solved before they happen and where different professionals and community members come together to help people now and in the future. 

The ongoing work of CSWBP is supported by an advisory committee representing over 78 partners from across Bruce and Grey who are working together to address crime prevention by investing in social development, prevention, and risk interventions. This upstream preventative model focuses on creating protective factors that make individuals less vulnerable to crime and victimization.  

For more information, contact: 

Nicole Griffin
Communication Manager
County of Bruce
226-668-5969

Rob Hatten
Communications Manager
Grey County
519-373-1592