Overdose awareness day: Raising awareness, reducing harm, saving lives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 31, 2026 1:50 p.m.
(Ottawa) - Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day, a worldwide event dedicated to raising awareness about overdoses, reducing the stigma surrounding substance abuse, and recognizing the many lives affected.
Last year, the OPS responded to 812 overdose calls and saved 54 lives by administering naloxone, a treatment that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. This is a decrease of 45% from the previous year.
This year, the OPS has responded to 707 overdoses (January 1st to August 10, 2026). Police have administered naloxone 26 times on the scene, resulting in the saving of 25 lives so far this year.
The Ottawa Police Service is committed to harm reduction through law enforcement, partnerships, and community awareness. Since 2024, OPS has worked closely with ANCHOR, a free 24-hour support program for individuals aged 16 and older in Centretown experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis, where there is no threat of violence or use of a weapon likely to occur. In those more dangerous situations, the Ottawa Police continue to respond, and residents are still urged to call 911.
The initial rollout of naloxone to our frontline occurred in 2017 to support emergency operations and deployments. This initiative has resulted in the incredible success of numerous lifesaving naloxone administrations by our members.
In 2022, Staff Sergeant James McGarry, with support from Ottawa Public Health, helped introduce the Naloxone Distribution Program. This program was designed to provide officers with additional naloxone kits that could be distributed proactively to vulnerable community members and their loved ones during the course of regular police duties, rather than being limited to emergency overdose situations.
Overdose awareness is about more than recognizing the signs of an emergency. It's about fostering understanding, compassion, and connection within our community," said S/Sgt. James McGarry. "Substance use and addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or where they live. By having open conversations, reducing stigma, and ensuring people know where to find support, we can help prevent overdoses and save lives.”
Together, with support from OPH and the Ontario Ministry of Health, the OPS continues to provide frontline officers with live-saving naloxone kits for distribution to those living with opioid use and to those who care for them.
Like other life-threatening medical events, early intervention during an opioid overdose is critical to life-saving efforts. Responding officers insert the naloxone into the nose of the person experiencing the overdose and spray it into their nasal canals. It helps to stabilize the person until paramedics arrive and attend to them.
“Every resident can play a role by learning the signs of an overdose, carrying naloxone if appropriate, and looking out for one another. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community for those who are struggling and their families." said S/Sgt. McGarry.
The number of kits used and locations of distribution are recorded by officers to help identify areas where further outreach and intervention will be most impactful. Since launching the pilot program in 2022, officers have distributed hundreds of naloxone kits to residents at risk of overdose or their family and friends.
Naloxone kits are available through various naloxone distribution partners in Ottawa.
If you or someone you know is using substances, there are services, including mental health support, that can lead to recovery. The OPS reminds the public that you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. If in crisis, please contact the mental health crisis line (24 hours a day/7 days a week) at 613-722-6914 or if outside Ottawa toll-free at 1-866-996-0991.
What to Do in an Overdose Situation:
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Call 9-1-1 immediately
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Administer Naloxone
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Stay with the person until help arrives
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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.
Help make your community safer: register your information and security camera location at CAMSafe.ca to support investigations.
CONTACT:
Media Relations
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
