With the toxic drug crisis still affecting BC, a local action team is putting together an event to spread awareness.
It’s hosted by the Comox Valley Community Action Team, the International Toxic Drug Awareness Day event will have live music, community resources, and harm reduction training as part of International Awareness Day.
The day is centered around the ongoing drug crisis, which is now the leading cause of death for people aged 10-59 in the province.
Project Coordinator for the team, Shari Dunnet, says while the day has been used to raise awareness and advocate for change, there still is a stigma.
“Our society unfortunately carries a lot of stigma around drug use, and when people lose a loved one, they feel stigmatized. They’re uncomfortable to share the reason their son died while at work,” Dunnet says.
“So the idea is really to try and take that away and realize that lots of people use substances and it’s about helping people who want to not do that, and support those who do by keeping them alive.”
She says this event has been organized by a small core group of people for the past three years, with a large network of people from their own community organizations to have booths for the community to interact with.
Dunnet hopes that the community is able to come away with something through this gathering.
“It’s about lifting each other up, building our resistance, and leaving with a meaningful message,” she says.
“Many people are affected by this issue and are looking forward to coming down and being with other people, particularly for family members who’ve lost a loved one. It can be kind of a lonely place, and it’s wonderful to connect with others who have this experience and be able to support each other.”
The free event will take place at Simms Park, running from 12 to 4 pm on August 31.
