Mayor Olivia Chow Proclaims Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto

August 31, 2024 Kelly

Toronto —Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed Saturday, August 31, as Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto, in line with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This global campaign, the largest of its kind, aims to end drug overdoses, remember those who have died from an overdose, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the grief of loved ones.

The 2024 IOAD theme, “Together We Can,” emphasizes the strength of community in combating the overdose crisis. Torontonians are encouraged to wear purple, participate in events across the city, and sign up for online naloxone training to help save lives.

In recognition of the day, both the CN Tower and the Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square will be illuminated in purple tonight.

Toronto faces a severe and evolving drug toxicity epidemic, with preliminary data from the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario showing a 74% increase in opioid toxicity deaths from 2019 to 2023. Mayor Chow’s Overdose Awareness Day proclamation and related information can be found on the City’s Proclamations website.

Mayor Olivia Chow proclaims Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto

News release: https://t.co/ue72bRfK9b pic.twitter.com/aqVlDD1cxC

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) August 31, 2024

Addressing the Crisis

Toronto Public Health (TPH) continues to collaborate with community partners to tackle this public health crisis. Initiatives include the release of Our Health, Our City in November 2023, the launch of the Downtown Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Team in June 2024, and the release of the TPH Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

TPH has also been actively working to reduce opioid-related deaths in the city’s shelter system through the Integrated Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative (iPHARE). Data shows an 11% decrease in non-fatal overdoses in shelters between 2022 and 2023, thanks to swift interventions by shelter staff and residents.

Mayor Chow emphasized the importance of this day, stating, “By recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing the drug toxicity crisis in Toronto. Together, let us remember those who have lost their lives and continue to work towards preventing further tragedies.”