After 134 recorded overdose deaths since 2016, Prince George has formally recognized this week (August 24-31) overdose awareness week.
Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall made the declaration today (August 24), marking the first time the cause has been officially recognized in the city.
“This week, culminating in International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31, provides the opportunity to raise awareness in our community, that overdose death is preventable,” said Hall.
“It’s also an opportunity to remember those who have died by overdose, and to reduce stigma through remembering that the hundreds of people who have died from an overdose this year were daughters, sons, spouses, friends, and coworkers. People who are loved and mourned,” Hall added. “This is an absolute crisis. We have talked about this for decades.”
B.C. reported a second record-breaking month for illicit drug deaths in June, with 175 deaths, which surpassed May’s total of 171.
A local woman who lost a family member to fentanyl poisoning wants people to know the loved ones lost aren’t ‘just addicts.’
“They are people. They are important. They deserve to be acknowledged and not just written off,” said Leona Waldner.
“(I’m feeling) emotional. We share, with all these people, the loss that they have experienced. It never goes away,” she added. “We hope it will get easier, but it will never be easy.”
For the rest of the month, the ‘tie a purple ribbon’ campaign has also been launched, encouraging residents and businesses to display a purple ribbon as a token of remembrance.
Other events recognizing IOAD include an afternoon of acknowledgment and remembrance hosted by Positive Living North on August 31 and drop in Naloxone training and a candlelight vigil at Mr PG later that evening.
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