Wednesday, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day, and several groups are organizing a rally and candlelight vigil in Centennial Square.
In 2016 Victoria saw 67 overdose deaths, more than the previous 3 years combined prompting the Province to declare a public health emergency. But the death rate continues to climb. There have already been 50 deaths in the first 6 months of this year.
Representatives of Moms Stop The Harm, SOLID, AIDS Vancouver Island, and Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC), are teaming up to focus on public awareness and education. The event will include overdose prevention and response training, free naloxone kits, as well as speakers followed by the vigil at 7pm.
Events start at 4:30 and run through to 8 pm. There are 37 events scheduled across Canada to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, including 12 in British Columbia.