The Timmins Police Service joins a host of community agencies in acknowledging August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)
As a gesture of support, a purple flag that symbolizes IOAD awareness was raised at the Timmins Police station earlier today. The flag was flown by Sergeant Chypyha, Constable Ferrington and Sergeant Carter of the Timmins Police Service,
In addition, Constable Joel Faubert, Inspector Blanchette and Chief Foy were in attendance to show support and enhance awareness and social acceptance.
All in attendance at Gillies Lake took in first hand accounts from case workers, surviving family members, and reformed addicts who were willing to share their experiences.
The IOAD 2023 theme is “Recognizing those people who go unseen”.
This theme is founded on acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but might go unseen in their daily struggles with addiction.
IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. It is important to remember to reduce the stigma attached to those who have died from overdose while acknowledging family and friends left behind.
Without exaggeration, incidents of overdose touches people and communities in many ways.
This theme is also meant to honor the people whose lives have been altered by overdose.
They are the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or Timmins first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver.
This year on August 31, the Timmins Police wish to acknowledge and lend its support to the people in our communities who go unrecognized by raising awareness of the hidden impacts of overdose.
Inspector Dinel and Staff Sergeant Vallier leant their support to this important initiative and were on hand in the early planning stages of todays events
