The United Way of Bruce Grey is helping people remember those who have died from overdoses.
The United Way was at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market today from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., along with partners from Safe ‘n Sound, Grey Bruce Public Health, and National Overdose Response Services to bring attention to the overdose crisis in the city.
United Way Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says the fourth annual We Remember Them event invited people to drop carnation flowers into the water off the 8th and 9th Street bridges.
“It’s something people look forward to in a way that they can remember them, they can remember people who they have lost due to the opioid crisis and the toxic drug supply in our community,” says Andre. “It’s a symbol of remembering and reflecting and caring about people who have been negatively impacted by drugs.”
She says they saw a good turnout for the annual event where they were also training in the use of Naloxone kits, and providing more detail on the current opioid epidemic in the region.
“Overdoses effect everybody,” says Andre. “Overdoses happen to people who are experiencing mental health challenges or accidental overdoses happen due to the toxic drug supply. There is a lot of reasons why overdoses happen.”
Donations were also being collected to support the United Way’s SOS program, which provides access to various forms of medical and addictions care, as well as crisis management.