International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose. Most importantly, International Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.
For more information: https://www.overdoseday.com/
In addition, the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR) is part of a growing network of individuals and groups dedicated to the study of substance use and addiction in support of community-wide efforts to promote health and reduce harm. The research is used to inform a broad range of projects, reports, publications and initiatives aimed at providing all people in BC and beyond with access to happier, healthier lives, whether using substances or not.
CISUR’s ongoing research into overdose prevention is featured here:
Made-in-BC blueprint for overdose prevention
https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2019+overdose-prevention-sites-wallace+media-release
Drug checking project responds to ongoing overdose crisis
https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2019+drug-checking-dennishore-brucewallace+media-release
CARBC brings together opioid substitution patients to help others
https://www.uvic.ca/news/topics/2017+opioid-substitution-treatment-reist-mullins+ring