Proclamation – International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, 2024

“Whereas the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes Northumberland (HKLN) Drug Strategy recognizes August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end drug poisonings, to honour without stigma those impacted and those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind; and

Whereas this year’s theme is ‘Together We Can’, highlighting the power of our community to effect change when we work together; and

Whereas International Overdose Awareness Day brings attention to an ongoing public health emergency due to an unregulated toxic drug supply and stimulates action and discussion about evidence-based drug poisoning prevention initiatives and drug policy reform; and

Whereas the campaign also acknowledges the profound grief felt by families and friends whose loved ones have died or suffered permanent injury from drug poisoning; 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim August 31, 2024 as ‘International Overdose Awareness Day’ in Northumberland County.”