Skip to content
Français

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is marked on August 31. This day provides an opportunity to reduce stigma, learn the signs of opioid poisoning, carry naloxone, and take first aid training.

Opioid poisoning is a medical emergency. It can happen when opioids slow or stop a person’s breathing. According to the Government of Canada, there were 5,724 apparent opioid toxicity deaths reported from October 2024 to September 2025 in Canada. In other words, an average of 16 deaths a day.

The best way to be ready is to get trained.


Take Opioid Poisoning First Aid Training

Five ways to take action on International Overdose Awareness Day

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
Additionally, consider our Standard First Aid (CSA Intermediate), which now includes training on responding to opioid poisoning.  
 

Learn First Aid for Opioid Poisoning


2. Find a Naloxone Kit Near You

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.

Find a Naloxone Kit Near You


3. Download & Share Educational Resources

Free Canadian Red Cross tools can help you learn the signs of opioid poisoning and what to do in an emergency.

Share them at work, school, community centres, shelters, libraries, clinics, training spaces, or other public areas.



4. Train Your Workplace or Team

Opioid poisoning can happen in many settings. Workplaces and community organizations can help people feel more prepared by offering first aid training. Add this course to your employee's health and safety training.

Learn About Group Training
 

5. Share the Message and Reduce Stigma

Stigma can stop people from asking for help. Clear, respectful information can help people feel safer, supported, and less alone. 

You can help by sharing trusted resources, learning facts, and using respectful language when talking about opioid poisoning.

  • Join an event or organize one in your community. Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website for a list of community events or to post a new event. 
  • Raise awareness by sharing your support for this campaign on your social media using the hashtags #IOAD2026, #HarmReduction, #OverdosePrevention, and #OverdoseAwareness. Engage with content on Canadian Red Cross socials to help amplify our collective impact. Tag us on your social media post as @RedCrossCanada
  • Light up a purple landmark on August 31 as a tribute to lives lost to opioid poisoning and as a call to action against the growing opioid crisis. Visit the International Overdose Awareness Day website for resources on organizing and registering your landmark on their global map.
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.

Note: While the Penington Institute, organizers of this awareness day, use the term “overdose” in their resources, the Canadian Red Cross will continue to use the language of “opioid poisoning.”