Download CAANS Overdose Awareness Day Media Release

Media Release
For immediate release: August 28, 2014
Red Deer - Red Deer joins Edmonton and Calgary and other centres in holding an International Overdose
Awareness Day event on Friday, August 29th.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held each year to raise awareness of overdose
and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends
remembering those who have died or experienced permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
In 2013 in Alberta, 387 people died due to accidental overdose of acute drug and/or drug and alcohol
toxicity1. Of those 387 deaths, 173 or 45% of them were people living in rural communities outside of
Edmonton and Calgary. When you compare the 31% population rate of rural Alberta, a 45% overdose
prevalence is an alarming statistic.
The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) has been gathering anecdotal data on accidental
overdoses since September 2013. CAANS has identified 19 accidental overdoses of people we know
with 10 of them being fatal. “I continue to be shocked by the range and frequency of people who are
overdosing,” said Jennifer Vanderschaeghe, Executive Director. “Even one death is too many.”
It is important that no-one feels shame or disgrace over a drug overdose. If this has happened in your
family, you are not alone.
This year CAANS is hosting a free event at Red Deer’s Rotary Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities
will include community speakers, a sharing circle and a barbeque. Anyone wishing to be involved may
do so.
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For more information: Jennifer Vanderschaeghe, Executive Director 403.340.9701 [email protected]
The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society is a local charity that offers support to individuals who are
infected or affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted or blood borne infections and provides
prevention and education throughout Central Alberta.
For more information on International Overdose Awareness Day please visit: www.overdoseday.com
1
K. Borden, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, personal communication August 2014