August 31 marks overdose awareness day. This day aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related death. It acknowledges the grief felt by people remembering those who have died or had permanent injury due to overdose.

At the beginning of August, the Grey Bruce Health Unit created a dedicated page on its website to highlight stories of substance use and its associated harms. We have heard stories of loss, despair, courage and hope. We want to invite everyone to visit this site to share in these stories if you haven’t already and to sincerely thank everyone that submitted their story. You truly are inspirations.

If you or someone you love is living with substance use issues, take extra caution by:
· Not using alone. When using with someone else, don’t use at the same time. If you have to use alone, call the OVERDOSE PREVENTION LINE first at 1-888-853-8542.
· Not mixing different drugs. Mixing drugs, including alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.
· Going slow. Use smaller amounts and do test doses to check the strength of the drug.
· Getting overdose prevention training and carrying a Naloxone kit.

Overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911. Get Naloxone.

For those looking for support, please reach out:
· Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-877-470-5200
· ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600
· Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic: 519-376-3999
· If you don’t know, call 211 and they will, find the service that you need.

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit