Beyond the stigma, beyond the statistics, there are the stories of our loved ones who have died from substance use, overdose, and suicide. Every day we think about the people we love. There's so much we understand now that we didn't before, and we wish we could talk to them about it.
THE LETTERS
This is what we’d say if only we still had the chance. Please listen.
PHIL
Phil Haug lost his son, Alex. These are the words Phil would say to him today.
KYM
Kym Porter grieves for her son, Neil. Here are her thoughts for him.
DONNA
Donna May talks to her daughter, Jac. This is what she wants her to hear.
PETRA
Petra Schulz lost her son Danny when he was just 25. This is her letter to him.
WHAT YOU CAN DO.
Stigma continues to be a reality faced by many. It is a barrier for people and families who are seeking support. Let’s start having conversations with people in our lives right now. Let’s challenge the stigma of substance use and mental health in our communities.
The drug poisoning crisis affects everyone. Please make sure you carry a naloxone kit. It can save a life by temporarily reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. In many communities, naloxone is available for free at local pharmacies and agencies.
49,000 Canadians died from toxic drug poisoning between 2016 and 2024 (Government of Canada, 2024). Supervised Consumption Services (SCS) are a core component of evidence-based overdose response and health care for people who use substances.