Every August 31st, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings people around the world together to remember those we have lost to overdose, support those who are grieving, and take action to prevent future overdose deaths.

This year's theme, "25 Years On. Still Needed." marks 25 years of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for evidence-based solutions to prevent overdose. While we wish this day were no longer necessary, overdose continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across Canada—including here on Prince Edward Island. While most provinces in Canada have seen a drop in deaths linked to the opioid crisis, Prince Edward Island recorded the largest number of opioid-related deaths in 2025 since the province began releasing the data publicly in 2016.

Behind every statistic is a person who was loved and valued, and behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends, coworkers, and communities. The encouraging reality is that overdose is preventable. We know that education, harm reduction, timely access to care and treatment, and compassionate, evidence-informed responses save lives. By speaking openly, learning from one another, and treating everyone with dignity and respect, we can build a future where fewer lives are lost.

International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that every life has value and that preventing overdose requires all of us—families, service providers, policymakers, and community members—to work together to reduce stigma, increase access to support, and save lives.

P.E.E.R.S Alliance will be hosting their annual public International Overdose Awareness Day event this year on Monday, August 31st in Charlottetown.

More details about these events will be shared soon.

We invite you to save the date, and join us this International Overdose Awareness Day as we remember those we have lost, support those left behind, and renew our commitment to creating a future where overdose is preventable—and where one day this day is no longer needed