08/12/2026
August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Did you know? In 2025, there were...
• An average of 15 deaths per day from opioid overdose in Canada, totalling over 5,500.
• An average of 64 emergency room visits per day for opioid-related poisonings in Canada, totalling over 23,000.
Days like these are so incredibly important in helping spread the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable. This upcoming Overdose Awareness Day, if you can, get involved and be a part of the movement to spread awareness and knowledge around overdose, which is one of the world’s worst public health crises.
You can get involved and show support by:
- spreading this message on your social media.
- Donating to local organizations who work to prevent overdoses from happening.
- Learning the facts that surround overdose, the signs of overdose and how to access, receive and use naloxone.
And for more information, we encourage all to visit Overdoseday.com
Statstics compiled via Statistics Canada: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/