Overdose Awareness Week kicked off in the City of Greater Sudbury this week.
It comes with a commitment from many in the community to try to make a difference and to save lives.
Organizers of the Overdose Awareness Week and community leaders say there is an overwhelming need for awareness, to what some are calling an "unprecedented crisis."
The number of opioid overdoses in the city increased last year by 40%.
Richard Rainville is the executive director of Réseau Access Network.
"The heart of the message is really about getting the community to talk about this issue. There is a lot of stigma and discrimination surrounding drug use and it really shouldn't be in place." said Rainville.
"Lives are being lost every day. To say that it's an epidemic is truly an understatement and we know things can be done from treatment. We know that things can be done from hard reduction, and we know that things can be done from education that are going to help let people live." said Chief Paul Pedersen, of Greater Sudbury Police Service.
“The great news is we have a ton of supporters. That's what we need to do, is to show that we care and showing the avenues to dealing with the challenges in our community and provide that support.” said Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.
Crystal Kimewon is a mental health worker for the Assembly of First Nations and part of a drum group that is urging the community to be open and to help people struggling with addiction to feel safe.
"They are people too and for us, as frontline workers, to not forget that and to really work from that person-centered approach, like to really empower individuals who are struggling with addiction." said Kimewon.
Derrick Derasp is on parole for selling potent drugs, he's also in recovery right now from using them.
"I am someone who, every day, struggles with the choice to wake up and to abstain from using. And there is also lifestyle, a series of behaviors, and stuff like that. And my reasoning for being here is just to gain a little bit of insight and to relate to others that we are all affected by this epidemic." said Derasp.
Organizers say stigma and discrimination surrounding drug use often prevent people from accessing services. They say this week's initiative is about reversing that message and letting people know they are more than welcome to get the support they need.
