Remembering Lives Lost to Drug Poisoning and Supporting Those at Risk

Each August, communities across Ontario come together to remember the thousands of lives lost to drug poisoning. Behind every statistic is a person who was loved, valued, and whose loss continues to be felt by family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbours.

Substance use is a complex health issue that affects people from all walks of life. Individuals experience substance use challenges for different reasons and require different forms of support throughout their journey. Effective responses recognize the importance of compassionate, evidence-informed care that meets people where they are and provides support when it is needed most.

The Growing Impact of Drug Poisoning

Communities across Canada continue to face a drug poisoning crisis driven by an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. Many substances now contain fentanyl and other contaminants, increasing the risks associated with drug use and making overdose responses more difficult.

The impact of this crisis remains significant:

• In Ontario, 1,398 people died from a drug poisoning in 2025.

• Since 2016, more than 56,000 opioid toxicity-related deaths have occurred across Canada.

• In 2025, approximately 15 people died each day from opioid toxicity nationwide, with fentanyl involved in approximately 60 per cent of opioid toxicity deaths.

  
  

These losses extend far beyond the individuals who die. Every death leaves family members, friends, colleagues, and entire communities grieving.

The Risks of Using Alone

A growing number of drug poisonings are occurring in private residences and other isolated settings. When individuals use substances alone, there is often no one present to respond in an emergency or call for help.

This trend highlights the importance of reducing stigma and ensuring people know where to access support. It also reinforces the need for accessible services, education, and life-saving interventions that can reduce the risk of fatal drug poisonings.

As summer comes to an end, thousands of college and university students will return to Waterloo Region and Wellington County. While a new school year brings opportunities for learning and personal growth, it can also bring increased stress, isolation, mental health challenges, and vulnerability to substance use.

Young people are not immune to the risks posed by today's toxic drug supply. Access to accurate information, supportive services, and trusted resources can help students make informed decisions and seek assistance when needed.

The Role of Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is an important component of a comprehensive response to substance use. It includes evidence-based approaches that reduce the risks associated with substance use and help prevent injury, illness, and death.

Examples of harm reduction include:

• Naloxone kits that can reverse opioid overdoses.

• Drug checking services that identify dangerous substances.

• Peer-led programs that connect individuals to support and care.

• Access to safe and sterile substance use supplies.

  
  

These services are designed to keep people safe and healthy while creating pathways to additional care, including treatment and recovery services.

For many individuals, harm reduction programs serve as an entry point to the healthcare system. Through respectful, non-judgmental interactions, people can build trusting relationships that connect them to housing supports, mental health services, treatment options, and recovery programs.

Supporting Young People Through Integrated Care

Increasingly, youth-focused services are being developed to provide early intervention and wraparound support for young people experiencing substance use and mental health challenges.

CMHA Waterloo Wellington has partnered with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington-Guelph (YWHO WG) to deliver the Interactive Substance Use Program (iSUP) for youth aged 12 to 25. The program offers a range of supports, including individual and group services, skill-building opportunities, clinical care, and peer support, all within an integrated and youth-friendly environment.

Additional support is available through the Rockway Care and Treatment Program, a partnership between CMHA Waterloo Wellington and the Upper Grand District School

Board. The program supports youth aged 12 to 25 whose substance use has affected their ability to attend school and continue their education.

By combining academic support with substance use and mental health services, the program helps students stabilize their health, develop coping strategies, and work toward returning to their community school and achieving their educational goals.

These initiatives recognize the importance of early intervention and the role that connection, support, and accessible care can play in improving outcomes for young people. To learn more about these programs, please visit: Interactive Substance Use Program (ISUP) - CMHA Waterloo Wellington.

A Time to Remember and Reflect

August serves as a reminder of the devastating impact drug poisonings continue to have on individuals, families, and communities. It is a time to honour those who have died, acknowledge the grief experienced by loved ones, and renew efforts to support people who may be struggling today.

Reducing the impact of substance use requires a coordinated approach that includes prevention, treatment, recovery services, harm reduction, education, and community support. By working together to reduce stigma and increase access to care, communities can help ensure more people receive the support they need.

Every person deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Every life lost is a profound loss, and every life saved matters.