Workers on the frontlines of the addiction crisis in St. Thomas marked the 25th annual International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, calling for continued compassion and evidence-informed support as they face increasing societal pushback against their work. The day, observed globally, highlighted the persistent need for awareness and action with the 2026 theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed,” underscoring the ongoing impact of overdose on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Amanda Zielinski, chair of Nameless Harm Reduction and Outreach Services, expressed concern over a growing climate where harm reduction strategies, safe consumption sites, and unconditional support for people who use drugs are misconstrued as “enabling”. “I think people see harm reduction specifically as enabling,” Zielinski stated. She noted that society often views support services as the root cause of issues linked to addiction and poverty, rather than a vital lifeline. However, Zielinski emphasized that turning a blind eye to the crisis is not a solution. “Drug use is still happening. There’s people still overdosing every day. And this gives us an opportunity to put the education out there and to make sure that their voices are still heard,” she said. In just the past couple of months, three individuals have died from overdose in St. Thomas, underscoring the urgency. Shawn Fisher, a member of St. Thomas Addicts Sharing Hope (STASH), who helped raise the banner honouring the day, shared his personal journey. After losing his job at the Ford plant, Fisher struggled with alcohol and later drugs but says he is now clean, crediting community support programs. “They do work. You got to let the programs work and you got to put in your work yourself,” he advised. The Elgin Crisis and Withdrawal Management Program in St. Thomas, which operates with seven beds, also voiced worries. Staff there fear that moves such as the closure of safe consumption sites, like the one in London, will place immense pressure on their team and exacerbate stress on emergency services. Allison Dale, co-ordinator for the Elgin Crisis and Withdrawal Management Program, countered the “enabling” narrative. “Safe consumption sites are the least enabling thing ever. Nobody chooses to use fentanyl just because they want to, and because they’re able to.” She explained that these sites offer a safe space helping to keep needles off the streets and preventing fatal overdoses. The Elgin Mental Health, Substance Use, and Addiction Coalition (EMHSUAC), alongside The Nameless, STASH, and other partners, organized local events. The coalition’s statement, “The City of St. Thomas and Elgin County Unite for International Overdose Awareness Day 2026: 25 Years On. Still Needed,” highlighted that while the day uses the term “overdose,” many deaths are linked to a “toxic and unpredictable drug supply” with unexpected contaminants leading some to use terms like “drug poisoning”. A community gathering was held in the garden area of Indwell The Station on Talbot Street. The event featured local resource organizations, memorial activities, and opportunities for reflection, alongside a free community BBQ to foster connection and learning. STASH members were present, sharing perspectives to reduce stigma and promote hope.
