International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is occurring on Aug. 31 under the theme “One Big Family.”

The theme was selected as a reminder to honour the victims and support impacted individuals of the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis through care and compassion.

According to Island Health, toxic drug deaths remain the second-leading cause of overall potential years of life lost, behind cancer. They are the leading cause of death among the 19-59 age bracket.

“We are nine years into the B.C. toxic drug crisis, and it is unrelenting,” says Island Health board chair Leah Hollins.

Already, in the first half of 2025, 163 people across Vancouver Island regions have had their lives claimed by unregulated drug poisoning.

IOAD is the globe’s most significant campaign effort to raise further

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