August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.
Did you know that Surrey is one of the areas experiencing the highest fatalities due to drug toxicity? In the Fraser Health region, 352 people have died due to drug poisoning in 2022. As of June, this year, the number of deaths due to drug poisoning equates to 4.9 deaths per day.
Substance use and overdose concerns are highly stigmatized topics in our society and even more so in immigrant and BIPOC communities, which prevents many from seeking help. DIVERSEcity recognizes the need to provide holistic, integrated and culturally responsive services as an essential part of true community healing.
“Overdose deaths are not acceptable and we at DIVERSEcity are committed to continuing to support conversations around reducing harm through our Substance Use Program and Journeys Program for Concurrent Disorders,” says Mindy Chiang, Clinical Counsellor, DIVERSEcity.
Learn more about our free, confidential and culturally safe programs here.