International Overdose Awareness Day

Press Release

August 26, 2024

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually around the world on August 31 to raise awareness about overdose and emphasize that it is preventable. The theme for 2024 is “Together we can”, highlighting the power of Nunavummiut when we all stand together.

Every life is precious and the Department of Health encourages open and honest dialogue about substance use. An overdose can happen to anyone and can be accidental. Talking about it can help reduce overdoses and save lives.

An overdose happens when a toxic or poisonous amount of a drug, or combination of drugs, including alcohol, overwhelms the body. All drugs, including prescribed medication, can cause an overdose.

If you think you, or someone you know is experiencing an overdose, immediately contact emergency services or go to your local health centre or hospital. Remember, health centres and hospitals are equipped with the antidote Naloxone.

To help prevent an overdose, it is important to:

Only take prescription medication that has been prescribed to you.
Follow the directions on prescriptions and over-the-counter drug labels.
Listen to any instructions from healthcare providers.
Dispose of expired or unused medications – take to a health centre or pharmacy.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that you are not alone. It is OK to ask for help.

For confidential support, you can contact:

Counselling

Healing by Talking Program.
- Offers virtual, long-term counselling services to Inuit across the territory.
- Visit your local Health Centre for more information, email healing@gov.nu.ca or call toll-free at 1-888-648-0070 or (867) 975-5367.
GN Employee/Family Assistance Program.
- 1-800-663-1142.
Residential School Hope for Wellness Support Program
- Offers telephone counselling for residential school survivors and their families. Call toll-free at 1-800-464-8106.
Ilisaqsivik Telephone Counselling
- Offers telephone counselling in English and Inuktitut, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call toll-free at 1-888-331-4433.
Canadian Suicide Crisis Help line

Help Lines and Online Chat

Call or text 988 to be directed to a helpline to best suit your needs
The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week).
- Call (867) 979-3333 or toll free on 1-800-265-3333.
Crisis Services Canada.
- Call or text 1-833-456-4566.
- Online chat available at www.crisisservicescanada.ca.
Youthspace.ca.
- Call 1-833-456-4566 – Text 778-783-0177.
- Online chat available at www.youthspace.ca.
- Email counselling is available by calling toll free at 1-866-478-8357.
Kids Help Phone.
- Call 1-800-668-6868.
- Live chat available at kidshelpphone.ca.
- Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868 to message with a trained volunteer.
Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqaatigiit Embrace Life Council.
- Visit the website www.inuusiq.com for more information, support, and tips.