'Nobody grows up planning to get addicted' says mom who lost son

August 20, 2024
Penticton mom Jill and her husband lost their son Daniel one week before his 24th birthday. Jill asks people to think before they speak, show compassion and be kind, because you never know what someone is going through.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a day to come together and remember those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Held on August 31 every year, IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. The theme for 2024 is “Together we can” highlighting the power of community when we all stand together. IOAD is also a day to recognize and remind us that addiction is a health condition. People use drugs for many reasons—reasons some of us may never understand.

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Emily Davidson is continually reminded of her why and inspired by the resilience of patients, their families and her colleagues.

6 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Housing is a right. IH’s Health & Housing Program Plan aims to improve health-care access for people experiencing housing insecurity and those living outdoors.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Sahra joined IH just two months after graduating from Okanagan College, and has served in many roles with IH that led her to where she is today.

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Lillooet Hospital holds a special place in Jessica McLellan's heart. A 3rd-generation resident of Lillooet, she has served as LDHF's chair since 2018.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Righting wrongs gives Sharon a sense of purpose at work. There is no typical day in labour relations which makes the job exciting and a great fit for her.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail