Personal connections to toxic drug crisis shared at island overdose awareness day events

People First Radio

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Speakers in Parksville and Courtenay joined a chorus of voices all over the world coming together in their communities to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

Observed August 31 or the days leading up to it, International Overdose Awareness Day began as a barbecue remembrance event at the Salvation Army Needle Exchange in Melbourne Australia 25 years ago. It is meant to honour lives lost to toxic drug poisoning, provide education on the issues relevant to the crisis, and to explore evidence based overdose solutions.

People First Radio attended events in the Mid-Vancouver Island region, and brings you stories shared by people with first hand experience of overdose, addiction, and recovery. Speakers also include grieving family members like Jane McCormick, healthcare professionals like Dr. Eva Hemmerich, and politicians including federal NDP leader Avi Lewis.