Island Health Preparing To Mark International Overdose Awareness Day

Events are being held across Vancouver Island later this month to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

Island Health is inviting anyone who has been impacted by the toxic drug crisis to remember their loved ones at in-person or digital interactive memorials as a part of the world’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness about the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis.

“We are nine years into the B.C. toxic drug crisis, and it is unrelenting,” says Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins.

“Purple has long been used as the colour to represent lives lost to the ongoing global crisis. These purple chairs symbolize the loved ones lost, providing a quiet space for rest, reflection and remembrance.” 

It’s taking place on August 31st and this year’s theme, “One Big Family,” is a reminder that we are all connected and that together, through compassion and awareness, we can honour lives lost and support those impacted by overdose and the crisis.

Beginning on August 25, purple chairs will be stationed at 18 Island Health service locations in eight communities around the region:

• Campbell River
• Comox Valley
• Nanaimo
• Oceanside
• Port Alberni
• Duncan
• Westshore
• Victoria

The memorial exhibits will also include information and resources, purple ribbon pins and an interactive memory board.

Island Health Board Chair Leah Hollins says purple has long been used as the colour to represent lives lost to the ongoing global crisis.

The purple chairs symbolize the loved ones lost, she says, providing a quiet space for rest, reflection and remembrance.

Unregulated drug poisoning remains the leading cause of death among those 19 to 59-years old on Vancouver Island.

It is also the second leading cause of overall potential years of life lost in the population, second only to cancer.

In the first half of 2025 toxic drug poisonings have taken the lives of 163 people across the Island Health region: 30 in North Vancouver Island, 77 in Central Vancouver Island, and 56 in South Vancouver Island.

In addition to in-person memorial stations Island Health is hosting an online memory wall, available now through September 20.

This memory wall is an opportunity for people to share memories, special words, and photos highlighting the One Big Family impacted.

On Friday the 29th, the Campbell River Community Action Team is hosting an event at Spirit Square, 11am to 3pm.

On Sunday the 31st a booth will be set up at the Campbell River Farmers Market from 10am to 2pm with resources for the construction industry.

To learn more or to find information on an event near you, visit International Overdose Awareness Day.

If someone is experiencing a crisis, they can contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-888-494-3888.

To access mental health and substance use services, visit Help Starts Here.