Community members are being invited to observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with groups from across the Thunder Bay District at a public event this week.
The event, organized by the City of Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), takes place Wednesday, August 26 at Intercity Shopping Centre, in the north parking lot, from 11am to 2pm.
Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember people who have died from overdose and toxic drug poisoning, support those who are grieving, and renew our shared commitment to reducing substance-related harms.
The impact of the toxic unregulated drug supply continues to be felt across the region. In 2025, 61 people died from opioid toxicity in the District of Thunder Bay. The district’s opioid toxicity mortality rate of 52.72 deaths per 100,000 people is nearly six times the provincial average, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner.
“Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember the people we’ve lost and to stand with the families, friends and communities who continue to carry that grief,” said Rachel Globensky, Drug Strategy Specialist with the City of Thunder Bay. “It’s also a reminder that substance-related harms are preventable, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to care and support.”
The Thunder Bay event precedes the official date for IOAD (August 31) to make it easier for local organizations to participate and connect families and community members with services and supports.
In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, City Hall will be illuminated in purple through August 31. On that date, Mayor Ken Boshcoff will also issue a proclamation recognizing IOAD in Thunder Bay.
The event includes drumming, speakers, interactive activities, resource tables, and the distribution of naloxone. It will create space for remembrance, grief, care, and community connection, while also emphasizing the need for continued action to reduce substance-related harms.
“Thunder Bay has been deeply affected by the toxic drug crisis. This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, challenge stigma and remember that behind every number is a person, a family and a community,” said Kandace Belanger, Manager of Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Sexual Health at TBDHU.
Community members are welcome to attend, spend time at the resource tables, take part in the activities, and connect with local organizations.
What: International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) community event
Who: Community members, those with lived experience, families, service providers, local organizations, etc.
Where: Intercity Shopping Centre (North parking lot near Marshalls)
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why: Overdose is preventable
Agenda: Drumming, speakers, interactive activities, resource tables, naloxone distribution, media interview opportunities
For more information:
Hugh Mullally
Communications Coordinator
news@tbdhu.com
807-625-7994
Ian Kaufman
Communication Officer
Ian.Kaufman@thunderbay.ca
807-629-7907