York Regional Police and Community Partners Launch Drug Overdose Awareness and Recovery Campaign

York Regional Police and community partners are launching Your Region Cares, a month-long awareness campaign encouraging residents to learn about overdose prevention, prepare to respond, access local supports and have compassionate, judgment-free conversations about substance use and recovery.

The campaign begins on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, and continues throughout National Recovery Awareness Month in September. It brings together York Regional Police, York Region Public Health, Paramedic Services, Addiction Services Central Ontario, The Farm Rehab Stouffville, Vitanova Foundation, CAYR Community Connections and the John Howard Society of York Region.

This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.” recognizes the continuing need for awareness, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support. Throughout September, campaign messaging will help York Region residents better understand overdoses, recognize the role naloxone can play in an emergency, find local programs and services, and support people affected by substance use without stigma.

“Overdose and substance use affect individuals, families, workplaces and communities across York Region,” said Deputy Chief Ahmad Salhia, who also serves as Co-Chair Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Substance Advisory Committee. “Police are one part of a broader community response. Through this campaign, we want residents to know that help is available, recovery is possible and that every person can play a role by learning how to respond with compassion and care.”

The campaign will feature educational content on social media and online, along with weekly spotlights on participating community organizations. These spotlights will outline the services available across the region, including emergency response, harm reduction, addictions counselling, peer support, treatment and recovery. 

Residents can visit yrp.ca throughout the campaign for credible information, local resources and links to participating organizations. York Regional Police and its partners encourage everyone to remember, learn and act—because Your Region Cares.

If you witness someone experiencing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately. Naloxone is available at no cost at all York Regional Police District buildings, at participating Ontario pharmacies and at various community organizations.