Overdose deaths are impacting all populations.
It is time to remember.
It is time to act.
Those are the words being used to announce an International Overdose Awareness Day at Vernon’s Upper Room Mission next Wednesday.
The event, put on in conjunction with Interior Health, will provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the overdose crisis, how it is impacting communities across the country, and what is being done in Vernon to fight back.
“Dozens of community partners will be on hand to share information about what is being done in Vernon to combat the opioid crisis,” a news release from Josh Winquist, director of community relations with the Upper Room Mission, said.
Twenty-four people died from fatal overdoses in the city last year.
“The harsh reality is, without harm reduction service options like naloxone, that number would have been incomprehensibly higher. In 2018, in Vernon, 923 naloxone kits were used to reverse opioid-related overdoses. That means in Vernon alone, lives were saved hundreds of times thanks to the use of naloxone. These are the lives of our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbours. They were given another chance,” Winquist said.
Dozens of community partners will be on hand to share information about what is being done in Vernon to combat the opioid crisis.
“There will be a free barbecue provided by Fix Auto and several prize draws thanks to community partners like MQN Architects and Interior Design, Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition, VEPAD, Downtown Vernon Association, Okanagan Indian Band and the Interior Health Authority,” the release added.
The event will take place Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Upper Room Mission, 3403 27th Avenue.
