Halton communities will once again recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31st, honouring lives lost to drug toxicity and supporting families affected by grief.
On Wednesday, August 27th, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS), alongside Halton Region Public Health and the Halton Opioid Action Table (HOAT), held a flag-raising ceremony at the HRPS Headquarters in Oakville. The event featured remarks from community leaders and those with lived experience, underscoring the importance of compassion and continued action in the fight against the opioid crisis.
“The safety and well-being of our community remain our Service’s number one priority,” says HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner. “We are proud to stand with families and the many who work so tirelessly in this space to remember those lost to overdose and to remind everyone that there is hope for a brighter future. Resources are available 24/7/365 through our Service, Halton Region Public Health, and our valued community partners. We urge those who need help to reach out to us. You are never alone.”
To mark the occasion, purple lights will shine at all police facilities through August 31st in remembrance of those lost and to raise awareness about the dangers of opioids. This year, HRPS reports a 72% decrease in known or suspected opioid-related poisonings between January and July compared to last year, though four fatal overdoses still occurred – all involving individuals who were alone at the time. Officials stress the importance of never using drugs alone, carrying naloxone, and knowing the signs of an overdose.
Free naloxone kits are available at Halton Region Harm Reduction Services, Sexual Health clinics, most pharmacies, and through HRPS officers and first responders, who have already administered the life-saving treatment seven times in 2025. Both HRPS and Public Health urge residents to seek help when needed, reminding the community that “you are never alone.”
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protections to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing the overdose. No one – whether they stay or leave the scene – will be charged with simple possession or breach of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances for summoning help.
The HRPS also provided a note in their release that data cited should be considered preliminary and is subject to change.
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