International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

Find support for harm reduction and substance use in Burnaby

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 is a day of global action when communities come together to honour those we have lost, share information and resources, and organize for a future without drug-related deaths. 

The theme for this year’s IOAD campaign is “25 years on. Still needed.” As the campaign explains, the theme reflects “a shared global truth: overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person – someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends, and communities everywhere.” 

Unregulated drug deaths are the leading cause of unnatural deaths in BC. As of May 31, 2026, 630 people across the province lost their lives already this year. Of those who died, 81% instances happened indoors, including 53% in private residences. In 2025, Burnaby lost 37 people to unregulated drug deaths (Source: BC Coroners Service).  

In our community, we have a dedicated and coordinated effort to respond to the toxic drug poisoning crisis at the local level.  

The Burnaby Community Action Team (BCAT) brings together a diverse group of community organizations, first responders, service providers, folks with lived/living experience of mental health and substance use issues, and allied community members. Their work is rooted in involvement and empowerment, and is dedicated to responding to the needs of the community. 

The Burnaby Primary Care Network is a proud partner of BCAT and participates in its Steering Committee. We also work with different health and community service providers across Burnaby to destigmatize mental health and substance use issues in our health care system, and to more seamlessly connect people with the resources, social supports, and medical care they need. 

For the past several years, BCAT has hosted a community event to commemorate IOAD and create space for the Burnaby community to learn and heal together. Although there will not be a public event in Burnaby this year, we encourage you to observe IOAD on August 31 and to share the below resources and information with the people in your life.  

Share These Resources:

Harm reduction services for people who use drugs in the Fraser Health region – Fraser Health 
Harm Reduction FAQ – Fraser Health 
Harm Reduction & Substance Use Supports – Burnaby PCN