In the Comox Valley and around the world, people are coming together on August 31st to remember loved ones, to advocate for change, and to support all those who are affected by the toxic drug crisis.
On August 31st, there will be a gathering at Simms Park in Courtenay from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature live music, guest speakers, community resources, a memorial to loved ones, harm reduction including naloxone training, and more.
The headline performer for the event is Sirreal, a Comox born, multi-award winning Canadian hip-hop artist and mental health advocate. Also featured are Revron and Oktiv6, and others.
Observed on August 31st every year, the International Day of Awareness (aka IOAD) seeks this year to raise awareness and create better understanding of this crisis which affects people from all walks of life, reduce stigma, and advocate for change. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones to drug toxicity deaths.
The International theme this year is 鈥淩ecognizing those who go unseen.鈥�
鈥淲ith our theme for 2023, we honour the people whose lives have been altered by this crisis,鈥� said Shari Dunnet, Comox Valley Community Action Team coordinator and event organizer. 鈥淭hey are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.鈥�
In B.C., 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. The community lost 37 people in 2022 and the numbers have continued at a similar rate for 2023.
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 Dunnet.
鈥淲e need to stop stigmatizing and come together as a community as this is affecting people from all walks of life. The stigma keeps people using substances in secret and with the unregulated, deadly toxic drug supply, so many are dying alone at home.鈥�
Men who work in the trades are among the highest number of fatalities, Dunnet said.
The International Day of Awareness is convened by Penington Institute, an Australian not-for-profit. The Courtenay event is hosted by the Comox Valley Community Action Team (CAT) in partnership with Unbroken Chain, Indigenous Women鈥檚 Sharing Society, and Moms Stop the Harm.
