International Overdose Awareness Day is around the corner and local group Moms Stop the Harm is planning an event to mark the day.
Along with a flag raising that will take place Aug. 24 at Prince George City Hall, an awareness event will take place on Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wood Innovation Square at 1142 Fifth Avenue. There will also be a candlelight vigil from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The event will include naloxone training and harm reduction education, display tables, canvas art and ribbon making, and sharing knowledge around lived experience.
“We're going to have an awareness day, basically, supporting people who have kids who use substances, and recognizing the kids that we're losing every four days in Prince George. Approximately every four days, we're losing somebody to the toxic drug supplies,” said Michelle Miller, with Moms Stop the Harm.
Miller also noted that although the day is officially called International Overdose Awareness Day, the issue is the toxic drug crisis.
“They are using cocaine, heroin, method, illicit marijuana, and dying because of the fentanyl and down that's being put in mixed in with it so they're not actually getting what they're thinking they're getting,” said Miller.
“We want to people to recognize that and that safer supply is the better way to go.”
However, she noted that Aug. 31 is not a day for activism but an event for honouring and remembering loved ones who are lost to substance use poisoning and supporting those who are struggling with the disease.
This will be the fourth annual event of its kind in Prince George.
“Because of toxic drugs, it's so important that we give awareness out to our community because our kids are dying behind closed doors and in bedrooms.”
