Powell River will be recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in the community.
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st.
Mayor Dave Formosa says council has proclamed overdose awareness day, and overdose awareness week next week in Powell River.
He says it’s an issue that touches everyone in the community.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, or who you’re from. Someone, somewhere…has some connection to someone who gets hooked on booze and alcohol and drugs, and we just need to do a better job in this province and in our cities [to recognize that].”
Formosa says work is also continuing on getting a detox centre in Powell River to help those with substance abuse issues. For more on International Overdose Awareness Day, visit overdoseday.com.
In Powell River, the community will gather together for a peaceful march from City Hall to Willingdon Beach. This will be followed up with a Naloxone Training session and a ceremonial tree planting. Organizer Darlana Treloar says it’s important to get the conversation about overdose awareness going.
She notes that it’s important for people dealing with addiction to know that they’re not alone. “By raising awareness, [I hope] that people won’t be afraid to speak out anymore.”
