Huron Perth Public Health is getting ready to observe International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
Michelle Carter, public health nurse, says the day has become a time to grieve for those we lose to overdoses and to encourage action in our communities to continue to support those struggling with addictions.
"It's also to recognize the loss of our community members, and their family members and friends who lost them, the first responders that help support all of the people that are struggling with addictions," Carter pointed out.
Carter says for those that are using illicit substances, the local drug supply has become very contaminated with other substances, so there are some safety tips to consider when using to avoid an unnecessary overdose death.
"Starting slow and using small dosages of the drugs that are obtained, not using alone, and having naloxone kits available. Having someone that is able to respond if needed with that naloxone kit, and calling 911, that's the best thing you can do if someone is experiencing an overdose," added Carter.
Having a first responder come and attend to a person experiencing an overdose is critical to ensure the proper care is administered that could save a life, Carters says. She adds the Good Samaritan Overdose Act provides some legal protections for anyone who calls in an overdose incident, as well as for the person experiencing the overdose.
When it comes to family members and friends of anyone struggling with addictions, it's very important to remain compassionate, as addiction can affect anyone of any age and any kind of group. Carter notes stigma around addiction can hold some back from eventually seeking help.
"Knowing that stigma can keep individuals from seeking help, and that can be as deadly, keeping people from the support they need for fear of being judged. So that next piece for family members is also to continue to stay connected," Carter said.
For someone struggling with addiction, Carter says that consistent connection can eventually help save a life.
International Overdose Awareness Day is Saturday, August 31. Ceremonies will be held Friday, August 30 in Goderich, Stratford, and numerous other communities as town halls will raise a purple flag to remember those lost to overdoses.
HPPH encourages community members to remember the importance of addressing stigma surrounding substance use and drug addiction. Opioid addiction can happen to anyone, anywhere and of any age. It’s also important to know how to respond to an overdose.
Learn the signs and symptoms of an overdose
Signs and symptoms may include difficulty staying awake, blue or grey lips or nails, small pupils, cold and clammy hands, dizziness and confusion, choking, slow or no breathing, and unresponsiveness.
Carry naloxone if you or someone you know uses opioids
Naloxone can save a life by temporarily reversing the effects of an opioid overdose while you wait for medical help to arrive. Naloxone kits are available for free from HPPH and local pharmacies. Locations where you can get a naloxone kit can be found at www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit.
During an overdose, stay until help arrives
If you witness an overdose, call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 for help. This includes protection from charges for possession of a controlled substance. Together we can save lives. Together we can end overdose.
For more information on substance use and harms in Ontario, and substance-specific strategies to mitigate against harms, see the Chief Medical Officer of Health 2023 Annual Report, Balancing Act: An All-of-Society Approach to Substance Use and Harms.
For more information:
-Huron Perth Public Health: 1-888-221-2133
-Visit www.hpph.ca
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