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August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a globally-recognized campaign to take action on overdose, remember those who have died from drug poisonings, and support family and friends left behind. This year’s theme One Big Family, Driven by Hope, highlighting how overdose does not just have an impact on individuals, but entire communities — and emphasizes the collective power we have to heal, prevent further loss, and support one another.
Overdoses in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark communities continue to rise, and South East Health Unit (SEHU) is working together with partners to change the direction of these numbers.
According to the Health Unit’s Drug-Related Overdose & Death Summary, so far in 2025, have been three confirmed and probable deaths from overdoses/drug poisonings and 13 suspected deaths in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Over the last 5 years, these numbers have fluctuated and in 2024 rose to 18 confirmed and probable deaths and 36 suspected deaths
“The numbers continue to be alarming,” says Dr. Linna Li, Deputy Medical Officer of Health of SEHU (formerly Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit). “Overdose is preventable. SEHU is committed to continuing to work together with our partners towards prevention, harm reduction and education to reduce overdoses and deaths in our communities.”
Public health works with a variety of local partners in a whole-of-society approach to prevent overdoses, including: community health centres; addiction and treatment centres; shelters/Cooperative Care and John Howard Society; outreach programs; emergency departments; police; fire services; paramedics; mental health agencies; food banks; libraries; youth groups; and pharmacies. Working with partners to provide local services is critical to building community and individual capacity.
“Harm reduction is essential in health care as it helps to decrease the number of deaths from overdose,” says David Amot, Mental Health and Substance Use Public Health Nurse Co-ordinator with the Health Unit. “Increased access to safer use supplies also helps to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.”
Harm reduction seeks to minimize the risks associated with an activity without requiring people to stop using. It focuses on addressing the immediate risks by putting the person first and taking a nonjudgmental stance, recognizing both the benefits, harms, and other consequences of using these substances. Evidence indicates that harm reduction prevents overdoses and deaths, increases participation in addiction treatment, and is an important part of the spectrum of interventions that are effective in reducing substance use and harms, including overdoses.
The Health Unit staff work with local partners to provide Naloxone kits and training; consultation on policy and programs; help with obtaining harm reduction supplies and providing education, and assisting with obtaining needle drop boxes in several locations throughout the community. The Health Unit also works with partners in preventing substance use, including community education and youth substance use prevention.
Initiating and supporting outreach with local community groups is another way the Health Unit works with partners by seeing clients one-on-one and providing education, referrals and help with other services that the Health Unit provides, including immunization, dental services and tobacco cessation.
The Health Unit also supports the International Overdose Awareness Day events held locally in the community:
North Grenville – Overdose Awareness Memorial Gathering
Wednesday, August 27, 6-7 p.m.
Rotary Park, Kemptville
David Amot will be attending. Visit the Health Unit’s table for resources.
Brockville – International Overdose Awareness Day Brockville
Thursday, August 28, 11 a.m-3 p.m.
Market Street (beside Brockville City Hall)
Dr. Linna Li will be providing remarks at 1 p.m.
For more information about harm reduction programs at the Health Unit, visit: Drug Use & Harm Reduction – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. You can also call 1-800-660-5853 or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on social media.
Source: South East Health Unit
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