Espanola Drug Overdose Awareness Day honours victims and families affected by drug crisis

In the midst of a crisis that touches thousands of families across Northern Ontario, dozens of community members, advocates and health professionals gathered at the Espanola Recreation Complex on Sunday, Aug. 31, to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

The day is a chance for residents to come together and address the unique challenges substance abuse and overdoses have on the rural, northern community.

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Linda Collins, a local advocate and mother, as well as Rosalind Russell, a local journalist and Ms. Elite Regional Canada titleholder, are the organizers behind the event, which is celebrating its fourth year. The event began around 12 p.m., and participants were invited to walk a lap around the Track and Field to commemorate those affected by the crisis, or who