NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON GUELPH DRUG STRATEGY
On Aug. 21, community members, people with lived experience, and partner organizations of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy will gather in Mt. Forest at noon to remember lives lost and call for health-focused responses to the ongoing drug toxicity crisis that continues to impact communities across Wellington County. This event is a time to acknowledge shared grief, promote awareness, and call for health-focused policies and services that save lives. This is the fourth annual event held in Mount Forest.
When and where:
Aug. 21, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. at King and Main Street, Mt. Forest
Event highlights:
- A gathering to be in community and remember lives lost, with speakers sharing reflections
- Opportunities to learn about resources and organizations in Wellington County that support people who use substances
- A moment of silence and a die-in to represent the lives lost in Guelph and Wellington County last year
- Naloxone training will be offered to those interested in learning a life saving skill
- Pizza is available for attendees
Understanding the drug poisoning crisis:
The unregulated drug supply is unpredictable and a key driver of poisoning incidents in Guelph and Wellington. We use the term ‘drug poisoning’ rather than ‘overdose’ to better reflect that many people do not know the contents or potency of substances they consume until it is too late. This annual event, held in alignment with International Overdose Awareness Day, brings together community members to raise awareness and call for a more compassionate response.
Each year, community members most impacted to design T-shirts with community-driven messages. This year’s community messaging is ‘Support Not Stigma’. This highlights the importance of compassion toward people who use substances. Reducing stigma helps ensure people seek the support and services they need without fear of judgment.
Individuals and families in Guelph and Wellington who have lost loved ones to drug poisoning are not alone. Across Ontario and Canada, thousands are experiencing similar grief and loss. We invite all community members impacted by this crisis, as well as those concerned about ongoing drug poisoning issues, to join us.
Key statistics:
- Guelph and Wellington County: 42 lives were lost to drug poisoning in 2024.
- 385 drug poisoning incidents requiring medical attention were reported in 2024, however, it is likely this number is much higher.
- Ontario: 2,200 people died of drug poisoning in 2024.
- Canada: Since 2016, there have been over 40,600 opioid-related deaths nationwide, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. In 2024, approximately 20 people died per day from drug toxicity. Fentanyl was involved in 74 per cent of opioid toxicity deaths.
