International Overdose Awareness Day
From The Medicine Hat Drug Coalition
We are honoured to host our 8th annual events for International Overdose Awareness Day
This year we are hosting two separate events to reflect, connect, and honour our community.
August 28, 2025 from 4pm-7pm we will host an open mic, information booths, reflection stations, Naloxone training, and a free BBQ. This event welcomes anyone from our community to join throughout the evening at the courtyard next to the Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Public Library.
(MH OWL News file photo - Mayor Linnsie Clark 2023
August 31, 2025 Please join us at the Medicine Hat Public Library from 2pm- 4pm for a day of remembrance, reflection, and support. This event aims to raise awareness about the impacts of lives gone too soon due to substance related harms. Together we can work towards creating a safe and understanding community.
Join us for a sharing circle. This is will be a small, intimate experience where people can come and share their stories in a safe space. Volunteers will be there for anyone needing support. Space is limited, max of 20 people. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../international-overdose... prior to the event if interested in attending. This a chance to connect with others who have shared similar experiences.
We hope to see you at one, or both, of our events!
I carry a Naloxone kit with me
Why?
Because in 2023 I needed it, but did not have it.
Trigger warning - drug poisoning/overdose
This story has a happy ending, it happened two years ago.
On the evening of August 28 2023, Tom and I were standing outside City Hall after the public meeting with another person when we were approached by someone who said their friend was overdosing; they asked if we could call 911. None of us had any Naloxone. We went over there while Tom called 911 and we all assisted the person.
The security guard working at City Hall came outside. We asked if there was a Naloxone kit inside City Hall, the guard said no. We continued our resuscitation efforts until the ambulance arrived, Tom taking instructions from the 911 operator.
The ambulance crew revived the person who ultimately refused transport to the hospital; they gave the friend a Naloxone kit and told the friend to keep an eye on the person.
Shoutout to the ambulance crew! They were very good with the person.
No judgment
No lectures
They were kind and compassionate.
This year, there are two events - International Overdose Awareness Day August 28 and 31
Today August 28
4-7 pm Outside the Medicine Hat Public Library
Free BBQ, Free Naloxone Kits, Free Naloxone Training
I’ll be there and I’ll be picking up a few Naloxone Kits to carry with me; they are also free from any pharmacy. Come on down, grab a Naloxone kit, get trained. There will be an open mike and you can share your story.
All public buildings should have Naloxone on site, there should be a few people on each shift with the training.
#yxh #IOAD25 #onebigfamily #WeSeeYou #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay #medicinehat #YXHdowntown #MHPL #medicinehatpubliclibrary #ems #AHS #naloxone
