Local agencies are hoping to raise awareness about the ongoing opioid crisis with a night of remembrance.
Bluewater Health, North Lambton Community Health Centre and the local health unit are hosting a walk along the waterfront Thursday evening to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
Mental Health and Addictions Program Coordinator at Lambton Public Health Ellie Fraser said survivors of an overdose will be there to share their stories of hope.
"We do want to encourage anyone and everyone to come out," said Fraser. "This is really an opportunity for people to just come together. So often overdose is stigmatized and people don't really have that opportunity to grieve in ways that we may for other deaths. Just really want to encourage everyone to come out and to feel safe."
The event begins at 7 p.m. at Sarnia City Hall, followed by a walk along the waterfront in remembrance of loved ones who lost their battle with addiction.
Training and take-home naloxone kits will also be available.
In the first three months of the year in Sarnia-Lambton, there were six confirmed opioid overdose deaths.
To date, there have been 113 related calls to Lambton EMS, up from 69 for all of 2018.
International Overdose Awareness Day is on Saturday, August 31.
