International Overdose Awareness Day calls on each of us to consider the devastating effects of drug poisonings in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. In the first 8 months of 2023, our region has lost 31 people to suspected drug-related deaths. Each of those deaths is a tragedy.
Despite the progress made by individuals and organizations, these poisonings continue to claim members of our community; this issue hasn’t gone away. There is still work to do to combat the damage to individual lives and our community as a whole.
Addressing drug poisonings is a complex issue that defies simple solutions. People who are impacted come from different walks of life and each have their own stories to tell. We need to listen to these stories, and thoughtfully consider what they tell us about how we can have the greatest impact.
We need to be mindful that whatever actions we take – or don’t take – have real consequences on the lives of real people who contribute to our community. Today, let’s remember that we must continue to centre the people impacted by drug poisonings in all that we do to address the issue. We must always work with empathy, supporting people’s dignity. A healthy community is one that never loses sight of the value of all lives.
On behalf of WDG Public Health, I want to extend my thanks to the many individuals and organizations working to end drug poisonings. We are lucky to continue to work with the many people that are committed to addressing this emergency.
Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, MD CCFP MPH FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca