International Overdose Awareness Day – August 31, 2025
- Lianne Sinclair
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Together, We Respond with Compassion and Confidence
August 31, 2025, marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global day of remembrance and action—an invitation to reflect, educate, and mobilize around the preventable tragedy of opioid poisoning. In Canada, the Canadian Red Cross stands at the forefront of this vital work—turning awareness into empowerment.
Why This Day Matters
Each year, August 31 becomes a space to remember those we have lost to overdose, to recognize the grief that ripples across families and communities, and to reaffirm that overdose is not inevitable—it’s preventable. In 2024, more than 7,100 Canadians died from apparent opioid toxicity—a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
The theme for 2025—“One Big Family, Driven by Hope”—echoes a powerful message: when we care for one another and come together, hope becomes a catalyst for change.
How the Canadian Red Cross Is Taking Action on the International Overdose Awareness Day 2025
On this day, the Canadian Red Cross invites individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to respond—with confidence, compassion, and care.
First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Online Course: A self-paced, 1-hour training program for anyone 16 years and older that covers how to recognize opioid poisoning, administer intranasal or intramuscular naloxone, and take life-saving action in an emergency. Participants earn a Red Cross certificate upon completion—and gain the knowledge to respond confidently.
Expanding Group Training & Workplace Preparedness. From construction sites to community centers, educational posters, group training opportunities, and naloxone-equipped first aid kits make overdose leadership accessible to all.
A Message of Compassion over Stigma. The Red Cross emphasizes reducing stigma and treating opioid poisoning as a medical emergency—not a moral failing.
Simple, Impactful Ways to Get Involved
Enroll in their online course. https://learn.redcross.ca/p/opioid-harm-reduction
Advocate for naloxone training and overdose response in your workplace or local community.
Share resources like posters and infographics to spread education.
Show support—you can be equipped and prepared when it matters most.
What You Can Do This August 31
1. Honour & Advocate Take- a moment to remember those lost, and consider posting a tribute or reflective message on social media using the campaign hashtags #IOAD2025 and #OneBigFamilyDrivenByHope.
2. Train to Save a Life. Sign up for the Canadian Red Cross’s First Aid for Opioid Poisoning online course. It’s accessible, evidence-based, and designed to equip you to respond when every second counts.
3. Bring Education to Your Circle. Whether at work, in your neighbourhood, or among friends, share what you’ve learned. Suggest implementing naloxone training or having kits available in common spaces.
4. End Stigma with Every Interaction. Use person-first, nonjudgmental language when talking about substance use. Words matter. Reducing stigma can help people feel seen, heard, and supported.
5. Stay Connected and Informed. Look out for campaign toolkits—such as posters, graphics, media tips, and advocacy templates—from IOAD organizers and the Red Cross to strengthen awareness efforts.
AHASTI’s Commitment
At AHASTI, we believe that every person deserves the chance to go home safe at the end of the day. By supporting International Overdose Awareness Day, we are standing with our communities to break down stigma, raise awareness, and empower people with the training and tools they need to save a life. Whether through first aid, CPR, or opioid poisoning response, our goal is simple: helping you feel confident when it matters most.
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