2024 International Overdose Awareness Day marked in Trail

People in Trail and around the world are coming together on August 31 to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to toxic drugs.

The Trail Community Action Team (TCAT) is hosting an information booth at the Trail IncrEDIBLE Market on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering information and training on the use of Naloxone at the market.

On Saturday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m., TCAT and REDUN (Rural Empowered Drug Users Network) will host a vigil to remember those who have died from the toxic drug supply.

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 one or both of our events. 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.