Thunder Bay is set to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD).
On Wednesday, Thunder Bay’s Drug Strategy Committee and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit are coming together at Shelter House to commemorate the day.
The public event is kicking off at 11:00 a.m.
The 2025 IOAD theme is One Big Family, Driven by Hope.
“Tomorrow, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to remember lives lost and to take action. In 2024, Thunder Bay faced 80 opioid-related deaths, the highest per-capita rate in Ontario, said Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Specialist Rilee Willianen. “We stand with families and friends in grief, and we remain committed to reducing harm, ending stigma, and saving lives.”
To help raise awareness of the overdose crisis and pay tribute to those impacted in Thunder Bay, the lights at City Hall will shine purple until Monday.
The hope is that bringing awareness to the issue will lead to funding from the provincial and federal governments.
For more information about naloxone, contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s Harm Reduction Team, Superior Points at: 807-621-7861 or (807)-621-7862.
Naloxone is also available at many pharmacies in Thunder Bay.
For more information about withdrawal management services, contact the Balmoral Centre at: 807-623-6515.
You can also dial 211 to get connected with a Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic and other substance use health services.
