The opioid crisis is devastating families and communities across Canada. Tragically, the crisis has worsened since the onset of COVID-19, with 7,560 deaths recorded in 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 the 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
Increase your skills and knowledge about opioid poisoning emergencies by taking our free, online courses. Join us in supporting education, awareness, and training initiatives across Canada.
Employees and employers in Ontario –
click here for information about Red Cross naloxone training and distribution for workplaces in Ontario, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Quebec residents –
click here to register for the Becoming an Opioid Champion Course for Quebec Learners. Some programming under our Opioid Harm Reduction project is not offered in Quebec as similar programming is already in place. Residents of Quebec will not be able to access naloxone through this project.