Marking International Overdose Awareness Day in Trail
By Diana Daghofer
On Saturday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m. – There will be a vigil honouring those who have died from toxic drugs, at BC Spirit Square, Esplanade, Trail (between the Trail and District Public Library and Columbia River).
People in Trail and around the world are coming together this week to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to toxic drugs. During the week, you will see purple chairs in front of businesses around town, honouring those who we have lost. At 7:00p.m. on Saturday, August 31, at., TCAT and REDUN (Rural Empowered Drug Users Network) will host a vigil to remember those who have died from the toxic drug supply. The Trail bridge will be lit in purple to commemorate the day.
Observed on August 31 every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of the toxic drug supply, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. By holding events this year, the people of Trail are joining with others in a global movement for understanding, compassion and change.
Global overdose rates have skyrocketed in the last 25 years. In British Columbia, over 15,000 people have died since opioid deaths were declared a public health emergency in 2016. We have lost 40 people in Trail alone since that time.
“By coming together to remember loved ones, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end deaths from toxic drugs in our community,” said Tammy McLean, co-chair of TCAT and a family nurse practitioner.
“It’s important to come together globally, as we have examples from other countries where drug use is treated with more compassion and success in supporting people dealing with a drug dependency,” said Diana Daghofer, co-chair of TCAT.
TCAT encourages all members of our community to stand in solidarity with the many people who have been personally affected by toxic drugs, by coming out to our event. The vigil on August 31 will include a blessing, music, the opportunity for people to speak about or write a tribute to their lost loved ones, and refreshments.
MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Daghofer, TrailBCCAT@gmail.com; 250-512-2126.
Overdose Awareness Day is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit. This year’s campaign theme, “Together we can”, highlights the global nature of the toxic drug supply and the strength to be gained by coming together in collective action to support those connected to the tragedy of toxic drugs.
A full list of the IOAD 2024 events currently planned around the world can be found at: https://www.overdoseday.com/events-2024/
[Editor’s Note: We encourage all readers to contemplate the possible root causes of the increase in drug use, which makes so many more people vulnerable to the increasing toxicity of drugs used — as well to the all the other downsides of drug use. And to consider what we as a society could possibly do to address those root causes.]
