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

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: 

• slow, irregular or no breathing 

• being unable to wake the person 

• blue or grey lips or fingernails 

• very small, pinpoint pupils 

• choking, gurgling or snoring sounds 

• a limp body 

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. 

What’s happening in your community 

CMHA branches across Ontario support people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges in communities across the province. 

CMHA Muskoka-Parry Sound

CMHA Muskoka-Parry Sound supports people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges across our communities. We provide community-based programs, education, outreach, and connections to support for individuals and families.

This International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re coming together across our communities to remember those we’ve lost, support those still with us, challenge stigma, and save lives.

Join us at either of our community events:

📍 PARRY SOUND
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
In front of the Mary Street Centre (United Church)
James Street, Parry Sound

Come plant a stick in honour of someone you’ve lost, or write the name of someone who is still struggling on a rock as a prayer of support.

📍 GRAVENHURST
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Trinity United Church
290 Muskoka Rd N., Gravenhurst

Enjoy a FREE BBQ and connect with local resources, naloxone, and training opportunities.

Whether you join us to remember, learn, connect, or show your support, you are welcome.

Time to remember. Time to act.

Get Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges related to substance use or mental health, support is available. Reaching out for help can be an important first step.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the CMHA Muskoka-Parry Sound Crisis Line at 1-800-461-5424, 24/7.

Or call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential support, 24/7.