Order pins by Aug. 8 for your First Nations community or service organization
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), held each year on Aug. 31, is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose (toxic drug poisoning), and an opportunity to acknowledge the grief felt by those left behind.
The toxic drug public health emergency disproportionately impacts First Nations people throughout BC. As a health and wellness partner to First Nations in BC, the FNHA supports communities in raising awareness of harm reduction resources and help available to people on their healing journey.
While IOAD is an event intended to bring greater awareness to the prevention of toxic drug poisonings, the toxic drug public emergency in BC impacts individuals, families and communities every day of the year. It is important to have conversations with loved ones about substances with the goal of reducing harm and keeping people alive.
To better support awareness around IOAD, the FNHA will be mailing out purple ribbon lapel pins attached to harm reduction-themed postcards to communities and organizations who support First Nations people in BC.
The postcards include information about preventing toxic drug poisonings and share messages that are rooted in anti-stigma and compassion with the goal of encouraging us all to start conversations with loved ones who use substances. Each postcard will include a purple ribbon pin that can be worn on your clothing or bag, signifying your support in preventing toxic drug poisonings.
How to order pins
Please email communications@fnha.ca with the subject line: “International Overdose Awareness Day Pins." As well, please state:
- Your name and First Nations community or organization
- Quantity desired (50-200)
- Mailing address for Canada Post (Please note that Cana da Post cannot deliver to P.O. boxes)
- Phone number (optional, in the event of shipping errors)
Please send your request before Aug. 8 to ensure enough time to reach your mailing address by Aug. 31.
The FNHA takes a harm reduction approach to the toxic drug public emergency. A harm reduction approach means offering support in a variety of ways and meeting people where they are at in their healing journeys. It is one component of a continuum of care offered by FNHA that includes prevention, treatment, toxic drug poisoning response and other systems of support. The primary goal of preventing toxic drug poisoning is to keep people alive while respecting their journey without judgement or stigma.
Continually keeping the conversation going around safer approaches to substances and toxic drugs is an important component of harm reduction strategies aimed at ensuring First Nations people in BC feel supported. Please join us in showing that support on IOAD.
To learn more about FNHA's harm reduction response, visit fnha.ca/harmreduction.
