Indigenous Harm Reduction Network/Wewena Training and Consulting

Alert issued on July 15, 2026

Increase in Suspected Opioid Poisonings within the NEPH region.

Opioid related poisonings can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. Even if you don’t use unregulated substances often, opioid poisoning can be fatal.
- Have a plan in place
- Avoid mixing substances
- Carry Naloxone kits
- Reach out to mental health and addiction support services
- Don’t use alone

To access anonymous 24/7 support, call the virtual safer consumption hotline: National Overdose Response Service: 1-888-688-NORS (6677)

Get a FREE Naloxone kit today at:
- Most pharmacies
- Most emergency departments
- Northeastern Public Health offices

**FUNDRAISER**

Help VANDU Gather, Grieve & Remember This International Overdose Awareness Day

https://www.gofundme.com/f/vandu-gather-grieve-remember-on-august-31

Across Canada, 56,631 people died from opioid toxicity between 2016 and the end of 2025.
In the United States, there were more than 832,000 drug overdose deaths over those same ten years.
Every country counts these deaths differently. But none of these numbers are just numbers.
They are our friends, family, neighbours, members and loved ones.

In its 25th year, IOAD now brings together more than 1,000 events in over 40 countries.

This year, we’re planning a community memorial at Oppenheimer Park for the neighbourhood to mourn, eat, make art, share stories and stand together.

And, a public rally will kick off in the evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery with a Speaker’s Corner and screenings. Some parts of the day are still coming together, and we’ll share more as they are confirmed.

This gathering is organized by, with, and for the community most affected by this crisis.

We remember those we have lost.
We stand with those who are still here.
The blessing of VANDU comes to Us through our ill, difficult members.
The most remarkable experience of those members who reach out to our abandoned, street involved members is that, in the end,
They give more than They receive.
They give Us Hope!

The Ask:
We are raising $7,000 to help make the day accessible to the people most affected.
Donations will support food and water, peer member stipends, transportation, Elder and speaker honoraria, memorial and art materials, permits, equipment, harm reduction supplies and the practical work of bringing people together safely.

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Photo by Darryl Dyck

This letter was sent to Ontario’s Big City Mayors this morning to express grave concern with the organization’s August 16 announcement encouraging the Ontario government to allow for involuntary medical treatment:

https://www.hivlegalnetwork.ca/site/letter-response-to-reaction-to-recovery-campaign/?lang=en

Drug warning: August 13, 2026

https://www.phsd.ca/drug-warning-august-13-2026/

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is warning of ongoing elevated numbers of drug poisonings (overdoses) and unexpected reactions to substances in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

The cause of the increase is unknown. This warning highlights the need for continuing vigilance and serves as an important reminder that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as benzos (benzodiazepines), xylazine, medetomidine, fentanyl, or carfentanil. If you use drugs, take steps to reduce your risk. Share this information to help save lives.

Key information

Community partners have reported:

▪️an increase in adverse reactions such as heavy nods (sedation)
▪️an increase in adverse withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and paranoia

Due to concerns about benzodiazepines (benzos) and tranquilizers (xylazine and medetomidine) mixed in with the drug supply, take steps to support someone who is sedated.

▪️Move the person to a safe place, ideally somewhere warm and dry.
▪️Stay with them and keep an eye on them.
▪️Check that limbs are not restricted.
▪️If they are having trouble breathing or if they are not breathing, give rescue breaths.

How to prevent poisonings

A poisoning occurs when a person uses a substance, and their body cannot handle its effects. A person can pass out, stop breathing, or experience a seizure. Poisonings can be fatal or non-fatal.

▪️Carry a naloxone kit. It can help reverse an opioid poisoning. Know how to use it (PDF).
▪️Pick up a free naloxone kit at The Point, Réseau ACCESS Network, or ask your local hospital or pharmacy. Visit ontario.ca/page/get-naloxone-kits-free.
▪️Avoid mixing substances. This includes alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, and street drugs.
▪️Start with a lower dose and go slow.
▪️Avoid using drugs when you are alone.
▪️Have a trusted person nearby or use a virtual safe consumption service like the National Overdose Response Service at 1.888.688.6677. This service provides 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.

How to respond to poisonings

▪️Call 911. Stay with the person. Monitor their breathing until help arrives.
▪️GIVE NALOXONE. It won’t cause harm if opioids are not involved. The person may not wake up right away due to sedation. More doses may be needed.
▪️If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

How to recognize poisonings

Different substances affect the body in different ways. Depending on the type of substance consumed, symptoms of a poisoning may look different.

Opioid poisoning symptoms:

▪️bluish, purple, or greyish skin, lips, or nails (depending on skin tone)
▪️dizziness, confusion, or inability to stay awake
▪️choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
▪️slow, weak, or no breathing

Benzodiazepines (benzos) poisoning symptoms

Poisoning due to benzodiazepines may last for hours and may include:
▪️extreme sleepiness or passing out
▪️poor balance or movement control
▪️slurred speech
▪️blackouts and memory loss

Share this warning to help raise awareness and reduce the risk of drug poisonings.

Today is Prisoners’ Justice Day — August 10.

Today we remember those who died in custody, and we stand with those who are still behind the walls.

Prisoners’ Justice Day is about more than incarceration. It is about human rights, dignity, accountability, access to health care, meaningful rehabilitation, connection to family, and ensuring that a prison sentence never becomes a sentence to neglect, abuse, or death.

For decades, incarcerated people have used this day to speak out about the conditions they live under and the changes they believe are necessary.

Their voices matter.

We remember those who never made it home.
We stand with those still fighting to be heard.

And we continue pushing for a correctional system built on dignity, accountability and justice.

Remember. Respect. Reform.

In his recent interview with Transform, Kojo Karam discusses how drug policy reform sits at the heart of the future of many social justice issues.

Read the full blog via the link in our bio.🔗

On August 10, 1974, Eddie Nalon took his own life and bled to death in the segregation unit of Millhaven a Maximum Security Prison in Ontario.

August 10 would come to mark International Prisoners’ Justice Day but it started here in Canada. All over the world prisoners chose not to eat or work for the whole day.

Prisoners’ Justice Day was founded in a climate of struggle and oppression in the prison system during the 1970s. Canada didn’t have capital punishment to kill people as in means to a sentence but we did have corporal punishment which was like a living hell.

We remember and honour the legacy of direct action by prisoners who protested to improve the human rights of people experiencing incarceration.

Today, Prisoners’ Justice Day raise awareness about past and present injustices in Canadian Criminal and Correctional system. This includes discriminatory practices that see racialized people, members of the 2SLGBTIA+ communities, and people with mental health problems that are continually overrepresented and mistreated by the hands of the government.

To some Prisoners Justice Day happens everyday of the year but today it is extremely important to take a minute to honour the lives of people who lost their lives behind bars.