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International Overdose Awareness Day 2026: 25 years on and this day is still needed.

Aug 31, 2026

Every year on August 31, communities around the world mark International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember the people whose lives have been lost to overdose and to take action to prevent future deaths.

This year marks 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day. The 2026 theme, 25 Years On. Still Needed., reflects a difficult reality: a quarter-century after the first International Overdose Awareness Day was held, overdose continues to affect families and communities around the world.

In Canada, 5,608 people died from opioid-related toxicity in 2025,  meaning an average of 15 people lost every day. And in Ontario, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner, there were 219 suspect drug-related deaths reported in July 2026. Over the past three months (May 2026 – July 2026), there were 668 suspect-drug related deaths. Behind every one of those numbers is a person, and people who loved them.

Everyone is someone’s someone

People who use substances or live with addiction are our family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues. They are people with full lives, relationships and communities around them and this day acts as a reminder (to all of us) that their experiences should be met with dignity and access to care.

International Overdose Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to remember the people we have lost while also thinking about what we can do now to prevent another person from becoming a statistic.

That includes talking openly about substance use and overdose, challenging stigma, knowing how to recognize an overdose and knowing how to respond.

Know the signs of an overdose

Recognizing an overdose quickly can save a life. Signs of an opioid overdose can include:

If you think someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and give naloxone if it is available. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and can help restore breathing while emergency help is on the way.

Overdose deaths are preventable. Education, timely support, life-saving interventions and compassionate, evidence-informed care can make a difference.

This August 31, we remember the people who have died. We support the people who are grieving them. And we continue working toward a future where fewer people lose their someone.

Get support

CMHA-WECB Coordinated Access – P 519-255-9940 x249

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare 24 Hour Crisis Line at 519-973-4435

Mental Health & Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre – 1030 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, Walk-in 24/7

If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24/7.