“CTV News London: Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday”

Saturday marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drug overdoses and honoring those who have lost their lives to substance abuse.

According to the latest statistics, drug overdoses continue to be a major public health crisis worldwide, with thousands of lives lost each year. In Canada alone, there were over 4,000 opioid-related deaths in 2019, highlighting the urgent need for more education, prevention, and support for individuals struggling with addiction.

Events and activities are being organized across the globe to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, including candlelight vigils, memorial services, and educational workshops. These initiatives aim to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, promote harm reduction strategies, and provide resources for those in need of help.

This year, the theme for International Overdose Awareness Day is “Time to Remember. Time to Act.” It serves as a reminder to reflect on the lives lost to drug overdoses and to take action to prevent further tragedies from occurring.

As we observe International Overdose Awareness Day, let us come together as a community to support those affected by addiction, advocate for policy changes that prioritize harm reduction, and work towards creating a safer and healthier future for all.