Toronto Marks International Overdose Awareness Day with Call for Hope and Action
Toronto, ON — Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed Sunday, August 31, as Overdose Awareness Day in Toronto, joining communities worldwide in marking the annual day of remembrance and advocacy. The campaign aims to honour lives lost, reduce stigma, and push for urgent collective action to end overdoses.
This year’s theme, “One Big Family, Driven by Hope,” highlights the importance of unity and compassion in addressing the drug toxicity epidemic.
On Sunday evening, the CN Tower and the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square will glow purple as symbols of awareness and solidarity.
Overdose deaths remain above pre-pandemic levels
Despite a slight decrease from pandemic-era highs, opioid-related deaths in Toronto remain far above historic averages.
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463 confirmed and probable opioid toxicity deaths were reported in 2024.
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While down 17% compared to 2020–2022 averages, deaths are still 49% higher than pre-pandemic levels (2017–2019 average).
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In 2023, the city recorded 527 opioid-related deaths.
(Data: Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, via the Toronto Overdose Information System.)
Naloxone saves lives
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is reminding residents that naloxone — a safe, fast-acting medication — can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
Through its POINT program, TPH provides:
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Free naloxone training for people who use opioids, families, and friends.
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Take-home naloxone kits with instructions on overdose prevention and response.
Learn more and complete naloxone training here.
How Toronto is responding to the crisis
Over the past year, the City of Toronto has advanced several initiatives to reduce harms and improve access to care:
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Downtown CORE Team Pilot (launched Dec. 2024): Offers direct outreach and case management for individuals with complex health and social needs in the Yonge-Dundas area.
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Our Health, Our City Strategy (launched 2023): Toronto’s comprehensive plan for mental health, harm reduction, and substance use.
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Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan (2024–2028): Progress updates released in July highlight actions to expand harm reduction services and mental health supports.
TPH also continues to provide treatment, housing referrals, and expanded mobile outreach services, designed to bring life-saving care directly to residents most at risk.
Homelessness and overdose risk
People experiencing homelessness remain disproportionately affected by drug toxicity due to the unpredictable nature of the unregulated drug supply.
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Between 2023 and 2024, fatal suspected overdoses in shelters dropped by 30%, and non-fatal overdoses decreased by 36%.
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However, acute drug toxicity remained the leading cause of death in shelters in 2024.
The City says it remains committed to a human rights–based approach that emphasizes harm reduction, education on safer use, and access to treatment.
Quotes
“On International Overdose Awareness Day, we unite, driven by hope, to honour the lives we’ve lost, and the loved ones left behind. We also recognize the incredible dedication of front-line workers and community partners who show compassion and care every single day.”
— Mayor Olivia Chow
“Through collaboration among City divisions, government partners, health and social service providers and communities, we can reduce the harms associated with drug use and save lives.”
— Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Board of Health
“International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of the lives lost and the preventable community impacts of the drug toxicity epidemic. With urgent collective action we can reduce stigma, support those at risk, and facilitate access to life-saving services.”
— Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, Acting Medical Officer of Health
📊 More information and data: Toronto Overdose Information System
💜 For overdose prevention and naloxone resources: Toronto Public Health Naloxone Training
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