"This is International Overdose Awareness Day.

The theme this year is, “recognizing those people who go unseen.” We are asked to acknowledge people in our communities who are affected by overdose, who struggle silently, or who are lost within the larger opioid crisis.

On this day, we say … you are seen.

We see the families left to grieve; we remember the individuals who have lost their lives to overdose or drug poisoning; and, we see those who struggle still to overcome the grasp of addiction. Addiction does not discriminate. We are all impacted in a way. I myself have been impacted by this epidemic.

Improving the outcome of mental health and addictions, including the reduction of overdose-opioid death, is a priority under the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan.

The City of Timmins is committed to helping families and individuals find pathways to the support they need, while recognizing that community safety and well-being is a shared responsibility.

We are committed to helping people connect to supports and services. We will continue to advocate, with our partners, for more treatment opportunities.

We stand with you today and every day until the fear and risk of overdose is no more … and we will continue to stand with you to remember and honour our lost loved ones."

~ Mayor Michelle Boileau

Learn more about the Community Safety and Well-being Plan at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/community_safety_and_well_being_c_s_w_b