Sherbourne Health Honours International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day offers space for people to publicly honour the impact of overdose deaths. This year’s observance is weighted by a recent government announcement to close several Consumption and Treatment Sites, a concerning decision made during a toxic drug epidemic. To foster public reflection and provide powerful displays of community solidarity, Sherbourne Health marked the day on Friday, August 30 with activities and art.

Attendees came together to contribute to a backdrop, where friends and family could write the names of loved ones they mourn for. A purple chair was placed in front of the backdrop: purple is associated with overdose awareness and the chair is a common symbol of the people missing from our communities.

Blending arts and advocacy, visitors created shirts using purple ink and stamps inspired by the plants in our Memorial Garden. Each plant in the garden carries meaning, related to grief and healing.

The day’s programming served as poignant visual reminders and emphasized the importance of communal support.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is so necessary to share our grief, reflect on how things can be different, and how we can support one another,” said Chris Geoghegan, Hep C Coordinator. “All of our lives have been affected in some way by the overdose crisis and toxic drug supply. Overdose deaths are so sudden and can be difficult to understand, making the grief we carry a complex experience. We cannot overcome this as individuals and need community.”

In addition to the activities, Sherbourne Health offered harm reduction supplies and naloxone training for all attendees. We thank all who joined us in standing with our communities who use drugs, as we continue to do our part in preventing future overdose deaths and providing essential harm reduction services.

Tapestry design credit: Kate Karpinski