The Quinte Region and surrounding area is marking International Overdose Awareness Day with events aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma and remembering those who have died or been injured.

Addictions and Mental Health Services Hastings Prince Edward is collaborating with community partners for an event in Belleville's Market Square on Aug. 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day is something of which our community can be proud," said Jennifer Keilty-Friesen, Chief Executive Officer.  "Overdose affects all of us. If we all encourage acceptance and safety, and respond to overdose with compassion, people will feel less fear, worthlessness, and rejection. Understanding the negative impact of stigma is an important first step.”

In Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, 2020 saw 29 deaths related to opioids, and based on preliminary data there were 30 deaths in 2021. In the province of Ontario more than 2,400 Ontarians died from opioid-related causes in 2020. Though preliminary, there were over 2,800 opioid-related deaths in 2021. Preliminary data also shows 20 suspected drug-related deaths from January to July 2022 for HPEC.  

"Drug poisoning can happen to anyone, including people who use street drugs, people who use prescription drugs incorrectly, or people who are experimenting for the first time," the health unit said in a release on Thursday.  "Substance use disorders can also affect anyone, as addiction and mental health disorders are complex and are impacted by a variety of factors outside of individual control."

It is important that people with substance use disorders are treated with the same dignity and respect as those experiencing any other health issue, the health unit explained.

"The presence of contaminated drugs in the community has increased the risk of overdose in HPEC," the release continued.  "Individuals who use drugs are encouraged to take steps to use as safely as possible."

Safer drug use supplies continue to be available at HPEPH’s Belleville, Trenton, and Bancroft offices.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health will distribute naloxone kits at the event next Wednesday and demonstrate how to use them to reverse the effects of an overdose. People with lived experience will share their stories, and Addictions and Mental Health Services – Hastings Prince Edward will provide addictions and mental health resources. A moment of silence will be held to remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. A memorial activity organized by Belleville Quinte West Community Health Centre (BQWCHC) will take place following the event. The BQWCHC took the lead in applying for a United Way Innovation Grant, which is being used to support IOAD 2022 events throughout our counties.  

A highlight of Belleville’s event is the unveiling of a commissioned art piece by local artist Sarah Winn, which visually represents the impact of stigma and the importance of support. The commission was made possible through a City of Belleville Arts and Culture Grant that was secured by AMHS-HPE.  

"Society needs to stop judging people on their struggles and start seeing people for who they really are," expressed Winn.  "People need to know that we are just human, and we all have problems."

 

EVENTS in neighbouring areas:

Picton: Aug. 26: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 46 King Street.
The HOPE Centre and HPEPH in partnership with United Way HPE will be providing naloxone training and handing out naloxone kits. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily stop an overdose caused by opioid drugs. Opioid drugs include heroin, morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, codeine and methadone.

AUGUST 31:

Bancroft: 2 – 4 p.m., 26 Station St. (beside the post office)

North Hastings Community Trust and HPEPH, in partnership with United Way HPE, will be offering residents naloxone training and naloxone kits, as well as a live streaming of the Belleville event.

Tweed: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Gateway Community Health Centre, 41 McClellan St.In collaboration with the United Way HPE, Gateway Community Health Centre is hosting naloxone training all day. Naloxone kits will be available at this event and going forward at the Gateway Community Health Centre in Tweed.

Trenton: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Mobile Community Resource Unit, 97 Front St.

BQWCHC staff will provide naloxone training to the public and host a walk of silence at 4:30 p.m. from the Mobile Community Resource Unit and ending at the BQWCHC on Catherine Street to provide a safe place for individuals to grieve.
AMHS-HPE will be offering a live streaming of the Belleville event at 2:30 p.m.