This is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time set aside to recognize and remember those lost to drug overdoses/poisonings.

An event was held at Bannerman Park this afternoon with four organizations coming together to raise overdose awareness.

The event featured speakers, various tables with information and resources, and an opportunity to honor loved ones.

Emily Wadden, program manager of the Safe Works Access Program, says we lose 21 people per day across Canada to drug overdose. She says it’s important to remember and appreciate everyone who has passed.

Wadden says these spaces give an opportunity to grieve, mourn and share memories of family, friends, and loved ones without stigma.

Mary Kilroy with Mom’s Stop the Harm lost her son Patrick to a drug overdose a year-and-a-half ago.

She says they struggled to find support for Patrick when he was a minor, as many existing programs were only for those over 19 years old.

She said there was no treatment centre for younger children in the province, and as a result, he got lost in the shuffle.

She says Patrick had himself buried with no help. She says people need to be educated to help prevent drug overdose deaths.