Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

WHEREAS, the Township of Essa does affirm and acknowledge the harm and hardship caused by drug poisonings; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day as remembering loved ones lost to overdose and ending the stigma of drug-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, we resolve to play our part in reducing the toll of overdose in our community, which claimed the lives of 136 (confirmed and probable) residents in Simcoe Muskoka in 2022 which was 22% lower than the 171 in 2021, while recognizing that despite this, 2022 deaths remain substantially higher than what was observed before the pandemic and four of these 136 deaths occurred in the Township of Essa with countless more lives affected forever; and

WHEREAS, we affirm that the people affected by overdose are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters, and deserving of our love, compassion and support;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council of the Corporation of the Township of Essa hereby proclaims August 31st, 2025, as Overdose Awareness Day in Essa Township.