The Manitoba government has proclaimed today (Aug. 31) as International Overdose Awareness Day to acknowledge Manitobans whose lives have been lost to drug poisoning and raise awareness of the risks of drug use.
Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith says, “In 2023, 445 lives were lost due to substance use in Manitoba and 171 deaths have already been reported between January and April of this year. These are not just numbers. They are our loved ones, friends, neighbours, partners, parents and children. This International Overdose Awareness Day, I remind Manitobans to take the time to acknowledge the grief felt by families, friends and communities when remembering those who have died or who have been permanently injured because of drug poisoning.”
The minister noted the Manitoba government is committed to reducing harm from drug use using an evidence-based approach, including partnering with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg to support the development of an Indigenous-led supervised consumption site in Winnipeg, and introducing drug-checking services that provide life-saving information about potentially harmful contaminants in street drugs.
“I am hopeful that Manitoba’s newest drug-checking services and its first supervised consumption site will offer a new essential service, and tools to embed more compassionate care in our response to the overdose and toxic drug crisis,” said Smith.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global initiative that aims to end overdoses, remember those who have died due to a drug poisoning or overdose and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. This year’s theme is ‘Together We Can’, which highlights the power the community and province holds in working together to affect change for those most in need across Manitoba.
The Manitoba Legislative Building will be lit purple to mark the day, the minister said. To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, visit www.overdoseday.com.
For more information about mental health and addictions services in Manitoba, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/mhcw/.
