City Hall Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day For Aug. 31 With Flag Raising Ceremony
/In honour of recognizing those who lost their lives to drug use, a purple flag was raised at City Hall in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day held every August 31 on Thursday morning.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
The City of Peterborough with Moms Stop The Harm, Peterborough Police and Peterborough Paramedics were in attendance for the event.
Family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare workers and support services extending strength and compassion and first responders are also recognized on Aug. 31. The day also highlights the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against anyone who uses drugs.
According to Peterborough Public Health, between Jan. 1 and July 31, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. There have been 43 people suspected to have died from drug poisonings as stated in a press release.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
On Thursday, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough is hosting a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training.
Prior to the event, community partners will be hosting flag raisings and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough.
These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:
Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
Aug. 24 @ 10:00 a.m.Peterborough Public Library
Aug. 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Aug. 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Peterborough Square
Aug. 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
Aug. 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
