Northern Healthy Connections Society director Al McNutt, centre, says the International Overdose Awareness Day event Aug. 31 in Truro is in part to remember those who have died due to overdoses, but also to educate the public and eliminate the stigma around drug dependency. Pictured alongside McNutt are his fellow staff Sherry Conrad, left, and Shelly King. Photo by Brendyn CreamerArticle contentOn the last day of August, communities around the world will remember those lost to overdoses.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThis year, Truro will be one of those communities.Article contentArticle contentThe Northern Healthy Connections Society, a local non-profit organization, will host a memorial event in Civic Square on Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. with a focus on education around overdose awareness. For the week leading up to Overdose Awareness Day, the Truro Library will don a purple hue in remembrance.Article contentArticle content“It’s really about commemoration of people who have passed away due to substance dependency, or substance abuse,” says Al McNutt, founder and director of the Northern Healthy Connections Society.Article contentMcNutt has asked fellow non-profits to set up tables under the Truro Farmers’ Market awning for the global day of awareness in order to share their knowledge and help reduce the stigma of drug dependency and overdoses, whether accidental or intentional.Article content“A lot of families are embarrassed,” said McNutt. “They’re just too embarrassed.”Article contentPart of the issue, to McNutt, is the language often used around those with dependencies. He said words like “junkie” and “addict” have a negative connotation that demeans individuals and strips them of their personality and character. Rather, he wants the verbiage to change towards terms like “dependent.”Article contentFurthermore, he said a fraction of those dependent on drugs are struggling in other ways.Article content“It’s a fact that they’re homeless, a lot of them,” said McNutt. “They don’t have a job, and no one’s going to hire them, because at this point, they’re always on the run. They’re following the substance.”Article contentArticle contentRegardless of the reason, McNutt said it’s important to recognize those with drug dependencies are no less human and are deserving of compassion.Article content“My belief in people in Truro was always that they would come out on top with kindness and understanding,” he said. “It might be that they’re frightened, but they’re so frightened that they don’t want to take the time to learn.”Article contentThat’s why an Overdose Awareness Day event in Truro is necessary, according to McNutt. Not only to educate those with dependencies on methods to reduce risk or offer help wherever possible, but to also educate the community on how to recognize, respond, and offer support to those with dependencies.Article contentA significant section of overdose awareness education involves the use of naloxone, a potentially life-saving medicine that counteracts the effects of opiates if someone is experiencing an overdose. They often come in small kits, some in the form of needles and others as nasal spray.Article contentTeaching people how to administer naloxone in the case of an overdose is one of the roles Northern Healthy Connections Society often plays throughout Colchester and Cumberland counties, and it will likely be a topic discussed during the Aug. 31 event.Article contentAlso on the day of the event will be the reading of names from a list of those who have died of overdoses from within and beyond Truro. To McNutt, reading out the names is a form of remembrance, going back to the purpose of the event and of Overdose Awareness Day: to humanize those with drug dependencies.Article contentThe event is free to attend.Article content
Victims of overdose to be remembered in Truro on Overdose Awareness Day
