Community & Culture

Why we gather for International Overdose Awareness Day

IOAD is a day to remember those lost to overdose and to stand with those who are still with us. Together, we can share in the power to change what comes next.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 brings together a global community to take action on overdose. This year’s theme, One Big Family Driven by Hope, reminds us that these losses do not just shatter individual families; they fracture entire communities.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to bring communities together—to remember the lives we have lost, to support those still living with the impacts of this crisis, and to stand as allies in the work ahead,” shares Alison Houweling, a harm reduction coordinator with Interior Health.

“Substance use is a health concern. Like any other health-related activity that can lead to adverse outcomes, it requires a health response: treatment of those outcomes and options that promote health.”

Why gather

Stigma remains one of the most significant reasons people use substances in isolation. When you show up for an IOAD event, it lets people know that they are not alone and that there are many people who care about them. Together, we can:

  • Remember those lost to the toxic drug supply
  • Support those who are still here
  • Raise awareness and reduce stigma
  • Offer encouragement, compassion, connection and understanding
  • Inspire community healing

Find an IOAD event in your area

100 Mile House
Aug. 25 – Sept. 3
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
South Cariboo Health Centre, 555 D Cedar Ave.

Mental health and substance use (MHSU) resources on counselling, treatment and groups, and information about substances will be on display. MHSU clinicians will be available throughout the display time to answer questions and provide resources.

Castlegar
Aug. 28, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
1306 Columbia Ave.
View poster

Grand Forks
Aug. 28, 10 a.m.
Gyro Park
View poster

Kamloops
Aug. 31
Paramount Theatre at 2:30 p.m.
Riverside Park at 7:30 p.m.
View poster

Kelowna
Aug. 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kerry Park
View poster

Merritt
Aug. 29
N’kawala Park 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spirit Square 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
View poster

Nelson
Aug. 28, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lakeside Park
Rotary/BBQ shelter
View poster

Penticton
Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gyro Park
View poster

Salmon Arm
Aug. 31, 10 a.m.
Shuswap Family Centre
Memorial bench unveiling information

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), recognizing the ongoing and devastating impacts of the toxic drug crisis within our region and beyond, has proclaimed August 25-31 as International Overdose Awareness Week. The SLRD also acknowledges the St’at’imc Chiefs and Council’s declaration of the state of local emergency due to the toxic drug crisis.
Read the proclamation

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc
Aug. 29, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Moccasin Square Gardens, Kamloops

Vernon
Art display, Aug. 7–30
Gallery Vertigo, 2901 30th Ave &
Okanagan Regional Library, 2800 30th Ave

Reception, Aug. 28, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Okanagan Regional Library – Upstairs event space
View poster

Williams Lake
Aug. 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Boitano Park
View poster

Other events

Moms Stop the Harm list events around the country on Facebook.

View an interactive map of all International Overdose Awareness Day events.

This event list is current as of Aug. 25, 2025. If you don’t see your IOAD event here, please email us your details.

Get help today

Call 310-MHSU (6478) to reach your local Mental Health and Substance Use Centre for support in your community.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, you can call one of these numbers. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays:

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