International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), held each year on Aug. 31, is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose (toxic drug poisoning), and an opportunity to acknowledge the grief felt by those left behind.
The toxic drug public health emergency disproportionately impacts First Nations people throughout BC. As a health and wellness partner to First Nations in BC, the FNHA supports communities in raising awareness of harm reduction resources and help available to people on their healing journeys.
First Nations harm reduction is about being there for our loved ones who use substances. We focus on building trust and connecting people to traditional teachings, helping them find strength and healing from the harms of colonialism. It's part of a larger circle of care supported by FNHA, which includes things like prevention, treatment, overdose response, and other kinds of support. The biggest goal? Keeping people alive while respecting their journey, free from shame or judgment.
While IOAD is an event intended to bring greater awareness to the prevention of toxic drug poisonings, the toxic drug public emergency in BC impacts individuals, families and communities every day of the year. It is important to have caring conversations with loved ones about substances with the goal of reducing harm and keeping people alive. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a toxic drug poisoning and how to use Naloxone are also important ways to keeping our loved ones safe.
Starting conversations with compassion
To better support awareness around IOAD, the FNHA is inviting First Nations communities or service organizations supporting First Nations in BC to order purple ribbon pins for their IOAD event. FNHA will mail you the purple ribbon lapel pins attached to harm reduction-themed postcards containing QR codes linked to harm reduction supports and services.
The postcards include information about preventing toxic drug poisonings and share messages that are rooted in anti-stigma and compassion with the goal of encouraging us all to start conversations with loved ones who use substances. Each postcard will include a purple ribbon pin that can be worn on your clothing or bag, signifying your support in preventing toxic drug poisonings.
How to order pins and postcards
Please email communications@fnha.ca with the subject line: “International Overdose Awareness Day Pins." As well, please state:
- Your name and First Nations community or organization
- Quantity desired (50-100)
- Mailing address for Canada Post (Please note that Canada Post cannot deliver to P.O. boxes)
- Phone number (optional, in the event of shipping errors)
Please send your request before Aug. 8 to ensure enough time to reach your mailing address by Aug. 31.
To learn more about FNHA's harm reduction response, visit fnha.ca/harmreduction.
