Thursday is International Overdose Awareness Day, and Sarnia residents are invited to gather to mark the sombre occasion.
A special memorial event is being held at Centennial Park to remember and acknowledge the lives lost, and the harm and impact overdose has on the community.
Integrated Director for Bluewater Health and CMHA Mental Health and Addiction Services Donna Morreau said from 2017 to 2021, the local hospital saw a 260 per cent increase in emergency department visits related to overdoses.
She said it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
"Around 81 per cent of the opioid deaths are related to fentanyl in Canada, and we are seeing that locally as well," said Morreau. "Thirty-four of those deaths, due to overdose, occurred in Lambton County."
Morreau said purple flowers and ribbons will be distributed for attendees to write the name of their loved one and tie to the hand-rails by the river.
She said it's their hope to create a safe, healing space for those dealing with loss.
Morreau said signs of an overdose can include difficulty walking, talking or staying awake, blue lips or nails, small pupils, clammy skin, dizziness, confusion, choking sounds, and weak breathing.
"When you suspect an overdose, you should call 911 for assistance, or administer Naloxone if you have it available," she said.
Thursday's drop-in ceremony will be held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. near the MacPherson Fountain.
Meanwhile, in its July Opioid Bulletin, Lambton Public Health reported 22 opioid related EMS calls, on par with the month before.
There were 11 opioid related emergency department (ED) visits, up from nine in June.
Local year-to-date figures are trending downward with 126 opioid overdose related EMS calls, down from 161 last year. Related ED visits are also lower at 58 compared to 91 for the first seven months of 2022, however, the rate of opioid related ED visits was higher than the provincial average (68.26 and 116.21 visits per 100,000, respectively).
Lambton Public Health said from January to April 2023, there were 11 opioid related deaths, although data is still preliminary.
Drug users are reminded that free Naloxone kits are available at Lambton Public Health and at local pharmacies.
