Courtenay and Campbell River are marking International Overdose Awareness day next week.
Island Health is inviting anyone who has been impacted by the toxic drug crisis to remember their loved ones at in-person or digital interactive memorials as a part of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness about the ongoing toxic drug poisoning crisis. The theme for this year's event is “One Big Family,” and is a reminder that we are all connected — and that together, through compassion and awareness, we can honour lives lost and support those impacted by overdose and the crisis.
On Aug. 25, purple chairs will be stationed at 18 Island Health service locations in eight communities around the region: Campbell River, Nanaimo, Oceanside, Comox Valley, Port Alberni, Duncan, Westshore, and Victoria. These memorial exhibits will also include information and resources, purple ribbon pins and an interactive memory board.
“We are nine years into the B.C. toxic drug crisis, and it is unrelenting,” says Island Health board chair Leah Hollins. “Purple has long been used as the colour to represent lives lost to the ongoing global crisis. These purple chairs symbolize the loved ones lost, providing a quiet space for rest, reflection and remembrance.”
The Comox Valley will be holding its event on Aug. 29 from noon until 3 p.m.. The event will be at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, 580 Duncan Avenue in Courtenay. At 1 p.m., there will be a ten minute “die-in” demonstration, a peaceful, embodied protest where people’s bodies become the message. The physical presence honours lives lost and calls attention to the urgency of the toxic drug crisis. This demonstration was initiated by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, who have been strong leaders in coordinating bold, actionable movements across B.C. The initiative is happening in multiple communities across Vancouver Island, the mainland, and even Saskatchewan, a testament to the collective power behind this action. Participation in the die-in is entirely voluntary.
Campbell River will also have an event on Aug 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spirit Square. There will be food, music, activities and cultural supports. The event will be hosted by Campbell River Community Action Team. There will also be a community event at the Campbell River Farmers Market on Aug. 31. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., a booth will be set up with resources for people working in the construction industry. The booth will be hosted by Tailgate Toolkit.
Unregulated drug poisoning remains the leading cause of death among those 19 to 59-years old in Island Health. It is also the second leading cause of overall potential years of life lost in the population, second only to cancer. In the first half of 2025 toxic drug poisonings have taken the lives of 163 people across the Island Health region: 30 in North Vancouver Island, 77 in Central Vancouver Island, and 56 in South Vancouver Island.
“These deaths are preventable,” says Dr. Réka Gustafson, vice president, population and public health and chief medical health officer. “Remembering those we have lost honours them and keeps them in the centre of the dialogue about a meaningful response to the crisis from the entire community.”
“Preventing these deaths requires actions beyond health services including investment in the social determinants of health, like housing, income, education and social connection, which shape people’s vulnerability to substance use,” says Dr. Gustafson. “Continuing to focus on equitable and accessible prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services is also required.”
In addition to in-person memorial stations Island Health is hosting an online memory wall, available now through September 20. This memory wall is an opportunity for people to share memories, special words, and photos highlighting the One Big Family impacted.
Mental health, substance use, and grief services and supports are available.
Residents may call Service Link at 1-888-885-8824 to learn about supports that best meet their needs.
If someone is experiencing a crisis, they can contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-888-494-3888.
To access mental health and substance use services, visit or
For harm reduction information and resources, like where to get Naloxone, visit
