On Aug. 31, people in the Comox Valley and around the world are coming together to remember loved ones, advocate for change and to support those affected by the toxic drug crisis.
The International Day of Awareness is to raise awareness, reduce stigma and create a better understanding of the drug crisis that affects people from all walks of life. It is also for those who are feeling grief due to losing family and friends. The theme this year is 鈥淭ogether we can.鈥�
There will be a gathering at Simms Park in Courtenay from noon to 4 p.m. to observe the day. There will be local DJs, special guests, community resources, a memorial to loved ones, harm reduction including naloxone training and healing cultural services. The event is hosted by the Comox Valley Community Action Team who are made up of organizations and community members, including those with lived experience.
Drug toxicity deaths have increased dramatically across the globe. In BC, the toxic drug crisis is now the leading cause of death for people aged 10 - 59 years of age 鈥� accounting for more than all the homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural causes combined. Our community lost 36 people in 2023, and the death rate has not abated in 2024.
鈥淏y coming together to remember those who we have lost, to support family and friends and all those on the frontlines of this crisis, we stand together to say that much more needs to be done to save lives, provide effective support and reduce stigma in our community,鈥� said Shari Dunnet, Comox Valley Community Action Team Coordinator and event organizer.
The Comox Valley community continues to have record losses due to the toxic drug crisis. This comes along with trauma for families coping with loss and mental health and substance abuse issues. The public health emergency was declared in 2016 and has worsened since then.
鈥淲ith our theme for 2024, 鈥楾ogether we can鈥�, we鈥檙e highlighting the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of drug toxicity deaths,鈥� said Dunnet. 鈥淲hile every individual action matters greatly, coming together as an international community creates a powerful collective action.鈥�
