An annual event on preventing overdose is more pertinent than ever this year in Ontario.
There is an estimated opioid related overdose death every 14 hours in Ontario. To combat this crisis, CMHA Ontario joins individuals and organizations in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day (IAOD) on August 31. IAOD aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug related death.
An overdose is a toxic amount of one or more substances that stop the body from working properly. Signs of opioid overdose include:
- Person is not moving or responsive
- Slow, shallow breathing or no breathing
- Slow heartbeat
- Person may be choking or making gurgling sounds
- Trouble walking or talking
- Tiny pupils
As part of Ontario’s Strategy to Prevent Opioid Addiction and Overdose, Naloxone is now available free of charge at pharmacies and other organizations across the province. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. Free Naloxone Kit training and distribution to help prevent the loss of life to overdose will be available at the Time To Remember. Time To Act. event on August 31 in Chatham. An evening event will be planned to allow people to memorialize their loved ones in a special ceremony. This can truly help those individuals to recognize their loved ones, feel supported, and not alone in their grief journey. Please see the poster for more information.
CMHA Ontario and Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) developed a joint response to the proposed Strategy, which highlights the importance of providing individuals with addictions related issues with a broad range of holistic supports within community based settings.
For more information on participating pharmacies and organizations that distribute Naloxone free of charge, visit this page on the Ontario website.