One of the most poignant days on the local calendar is approaching in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day.
On August 31st at Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough, people will gather from 1 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of remembrance, education, connection and harm reduction awareness.
Billed as a day to remember those who have died from drug poisoning, support those grieving their deaths and promote evidence-based approaches to preventing future deaths, this is the 25th anniversary of the annual event.
Among those involved locally is PARN harm reduction services manager Aizha Pollock. She says the fact that a day such as this is still needed is a source of frustration.
Pollock says while the day is a solemn one for participants, the support shown those who have lost someone to poisoned drugs is as essential as it is heartwarming.
Pollock speaks to the education component of the day, which sees representatives of support services on hand to answer questions.
In a bid to bring the broader community out “help to change minds,” Pollock says a free catered barbecue and live music are also on the agenda.
For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day’s history and core mission, visit www.overdoseday.com.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
