The opioid crisis is devastating families and communities across Canada. Tragically, the crisis has worsened since the onset of COVID-19. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported over 9,800 apparent opioid toxicity deaths from January 2020–June 2021.
Opioid poisoning can happen any time—to a friend, a colleague, or a loved one. Knowing how to respond could save a life.
Canadian Red Cross is committed to helping communities reduce opioid-related deaths by increasing Canadians’ access to response training and naloxone – a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses life-threatening effects of opioid poisoning. We are focused on reaching people most at risk for opioid poisoning in under-served communities and helping Canadians to better understand the risks, stigmas, and misconceptions, of opioid poisoning.
Our goal is that no one in Canada will experience an opioid poisoning without someone being there who has a naloxone kit and knows how to use it.
How you can help
You can make a difference as a volunteer Opioid Harm Reduction Champion to support education, awareness, and training initiatives across Canada.