A memorial set-up at Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park for International Overdose Day 2022 for the average of six BC residents per day who succumb to toxic drugs. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

end the stigma

Anti-stigma dialogue sessions in Nanaimo on International Overdose Awareness Day

Aug 29, 2023 | 5:35 AM

NANAIMO — A day of remembrance, support, and community action for those who have died from toxic drug overdoses is happening this week.

International Overdose Awareness Day is on Thursday, Aug. 31, with multiple community partners coming together for an event at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park from 11 a.m. until around 3 p.m.

Coordinator with the Nanaimo Community Action Team Serena Klaver said they are planning for this to be the first in a series of anti-stigma dialogue sessions taking place locally.

“TeThere will be five in total and will run until the end of May. This first one is International Overdoses Awareness Day which is happening across the Island, but we’re focusing on the… impacts to the community here in Nanaimo.”

‘Culture’ will be the theme for this year, with a strong focus on opening dialogue surrounding drug use, overdoses, and how it affects families and societies as a whole.

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According to the latest report from the B.C Coroners Service, 66 people died in Greater Nanaimo from January to June of this year, on track to break the record for most toxic drug deaths in a single year.

Thursday’s event at Maffeo Sutton will include food and drinks, an opening ceremony by Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder Lolly Good, speeches, a moment of silence, poetry, and even an open-mic portion, which Kalver said is “an organic opportunity for speakers to come and share their personal stories.”

She emphasizes the importance of taking part in events like this and becoming part of the conversation.

She hopes it encourages people to open their minds and hearts about the tragic reality unfolding in communities across the country.

“There’s still a lot of people that feel like it doesn’t impact them and I will transparently say that I used to have that mindset myself, and I’ve put myself into that situation of really becoming more informed and I think it’s just that taking that opportunity to actually just ask some of those questions and to just be a little bit more curious about the situation.”

Klaver said the additional anti-stigma sessions will occur later this year and into 2024.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow