International Overdose Awareness Day
August 31 | Respond with Confidence. Save a Life.
Opioid poisoning is a medical emergency. In 2024, more than 7,100 Canadians died from apparent opioid toxicity, according to the Government of Canada. This International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), join the Canadian Red Cross in taking meaningful action through education, compassion, and preparedness.
The best way to be ready is to get trained. Enroll in our First Aid for Opioid Poisoning online course.
Opioid poisoning doesn't discriminate—it affects families, co-workers, and communities across Canada. Education and prompt response with naloxone can prevent death. This campaign is about solidarity, not blame. It's about reducing stigma, not turning away. It's about being there when it matters most.
Enroll in our self-paced, 1-hour First Aid for Opioid Poisoning course. Learn how to recognize signs of poisoning, provide first aid, and administer naloxone.
Industries like construction, trades, transportation, and public service are increasingly affected by opioid risks. Add this course to your employee health and safety training.
Help spread awareness with these evidence-based tools:
Follow and amplify the campaign on social media. Help us reduce stigma and create a ripple of awareness and compassion.
Use the hashtags: #OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #HarmReduction #HarmReductionTips #HarmReductionSavesLives
Tag us on your social media post as @RedCrossCanada
Let’s imagine a new meaning of what family can be—a family driven by hope, love, and action.
Together, We Can Help Prevent Opioid Poisoning Deaths
Opioid poisoning is a medical emergency. In 2024, more than 7,100 Canadians died from apparent opioid toxicity, according to the Government of Canada. This International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), join the Canadian Red Cross in taking meaningful action through education, compassion, and preparedness.The best way to be ready is to get trained. Enroll in our First Aid for Opioid Poisoning online course.
Why International Overdose Awareness Day Matters
“This year’s IOAD theme, as defined by the Penington Institute on overdoseday.com, is One Big Family, Driven by Hope. The theme reminds us that by building connection and compassion, we can move from awareness to action and save lives.”Opioid poisoning doesn't discriminate—it affects families, co-workers, and communities across Canada. Education and prompt response with naloxone can prevent death. This campaign is about solidarity, not blame. It's about reducing stigma, not turning away. It's about being there when it matters most.
Five Ways to Get Involved
1. Take the First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Online Course
Enroll in our self-paced, 1-hour First Aid for Opioid Poisoning course. Learn how to recognize signs of poisoning, provide first aid, and administer naloxone.
- Price: $30
- Certificate of Completion
Learn First Aid for Opioid Poisoning
2. Train Your Workplace or Team
Industries like construction, trades, transportation, and public service are increasingly affected by opioid risks. Add this course to your employee health and safety training.
3. Download & Share Educational Resources
Help spread awareness with these evidence-based tools:
- Educational Poster: Care for Opioid Poisoning
Step-by-step visual guide on how to respond in an opioid emergency. - Educational Poster: Signs of Opioid Poisoning
Clear infographic showing what to look for and when to act when you suspect an opioid poisoning. - Article: Signs and Care for Opioid Poisoning
Learn the essentials: signs, check, administer naloxone, and care for an opioid poisoning.
4. Share the Message
Follow and amplify the campaign on social media. Help us reduce stigma and create a ripple of awareness and compassion.Use the hashtags: #OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #HarmReduction #HarmReductionTips #HarmReductionSavesLives
Tag us on your social media post as @RedCrossCanada
5. Access Naloxone
Naloxone can temporarily reverse the effects of opioid poisoning. Some provinces and territories offer free take-home naloxone kits. Check with your province or territory for availability. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we’ve lost, support those who grieve, and commit to saving lives through awareness and education.Let’s imagine a new meaning of what family can be—a family driven by hope, love, and action.