The growing impact of the overdose crisis has touched every corner of our communities.
As part of a global effort to remember, raise awareness, and take action, residents are invited to take part in International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) events on Wednesday, August 27.
International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual global campaign to end drug poisonings, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends.
This year’s theme, One Big Family, Driven by Hope, highlights how overdose impacts not just individuals but entire communities, emphasizing our collective power to heal, prevent further loss, and support one another.
On August 27, the Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward, in collaboration with local partners, will host events across the region.
These gatherings will offer space for reflection, connection, and learning as communities respond to the ongoing crisis with
compassion and care.
Community IOAD Events – August 27, 2025
• Bancroft – Bancroft Village Playhouse, 5 Hastings Street South, Bancroft, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Belleville – Belleville Armouries, 187 Pinnacle Street, Belleville, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Madoc – Arts Centre Hastings, 24 Seymour Street West, Madoc, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Picton – Benson Park, 56 King Street, Picton, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Trenton – Community Partners for Success, 50 Elgin Street, Trenton, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Naloxone training and information about community support will be available at all events.
For full event details, visit cmhahpe.ca/international-overdose-awareness-day-2025.
Drug poisoning can happen to anyone, including those who use regulated and unregulated substances, or people who are experimenting with either type. Substance use disorders can also affect anyone, as addiction and mental health disorders are complex and are impacted by a variety of factors outside of individual control. It is important that people with substance use disorders are treated with the same dignity and respect as those experiencing any other health
issue.
The presence of contaminated drugs in the community has increased the risk of drug poisoning in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Individuals who use drugs are encouraged to take steps to use as safely as possible. Safer drug use supplies continue to be available at public health offices in Belleville, Trenton, and Bancroft offices, as well as at many other locations throughout the region.
If you must use alone, call the National Overdose Response Service overdose prevention hotline at 1-888-688-6677. The hotline operates 24 hours a day and when you call this confidential and judgement-free service, the operator will stay on the phone with you while you use drugs and will call 911 and advise of possible overdose if they do not receive a response after drugs are administered.
Community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the signs of drug poisoning and know how to respond to an overdose. If you experience a substance use disorder, you are
not alone. For more information, visit hpePublicHealth.ca/safer-drug-use/.
