August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day
Huron Perth, ON – August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day. For 25 years, this day has served as a time to remember those we’ve lost to overdose, to support those who are grieving, and to take action to save lives.
Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) acknowledges the families, friends, first responders, healthcare providers and support workers whose lives have been impacted by substance use and overdose. Every person lost to overdose is someone’s family member, friend, neighbour, or loved one.
The unregulated drug supply in Ontario, including in Huron and Perth, continues to pose serious risks to people who use substances. “Fentanyl remains a concern, and the increasing presence of multiple substances in the drug supply can make overdose response more complex,” says Julie Bergman, public health nurse at HPPH. “Although the opioid toxicity mortality rate in Huron Perth remains lower than the provincial average, opioid-related harms continue to be a local public health concern,” she continued.
According to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, there were nine opioid-related deaths in Huron Perth in 2025. HPPH continues to monitor opioid-related deaths and naloxone distribution to help understand local trends and inform prevention efforts. Data are available on the Huron Perth Opioid Dashboard, which can be accessed from www.hpph.ca/opioidmonitoring.
Take action to prevent overdose
Overdose can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, background, or gender. Reducing stigma around substance use can help remove barriers to supports and services, making it easier for people to access care, treatment, and harm reduction resources when they need them.
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, knowing how to respond, and carrying naloxone can help to prevent overdose deaths. HPPH offers free naloxone kits and training to people who use drugs. Kits are also available to family members, friends, and other people able to help someone who may be at risk of an opioid overdose. To learn more about opioids, overdose response and naloxone, please visit www.hpph.ca/naloxone.
Residents can also show support by attending a local International Overdose Awareness Day event. Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth is hosting events at the City/Town Hall flag poles in Stratford and Goderich at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 31. For more information on local events, visit https://www.overdoseday.com/events-2026/.
Together, we can end overdose.