Over the last 10 years, the local opioid drug crisis has claimed the lives of some 400 people in London. With multiple overlapping drug crises continuing in the city, local health and social services agencies fear that number could continue to climb unless urgent action is taken. The lessons learned from waging battle against these powerful drugs are reminders of the pain and suffering endured not only by those who lost their lives due to drug poisoning, but also among their loved ones and their community.
In remembrance of those lives lost, the Middlesex-London Health Unit, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, Addiction Services of Thames Valley, London Middlesex Housing Corporation, the London Abused Women’s Centre, the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre and others will come together to honour their memory.
The event will be held at Ivey Park, near the Forks of the Thames River on Friday, April 27th at 5:00 p.m. and will feature Indigenous drummers, guest speakers with first-hand experience and a reading from London’s Poet Laureate, Tom Cull.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of rain the Memorial will be held in the pavilion overlooking the splash pad at Ivey Park.
What:
Memorial to 400 Lives Lost due to the Opioid Crisis
Speakers:
- Brian Lester, Executive Director, Regional HIV / AIDS Connection
- Megan Walker, Executive Director, London Abused Women’s Centre
- Andy McLean, Harm Reduction Support Worker, Regional HIV / AIDS Connection
- Josh VanBiesbrouk, Member, London Opioid Crisis Working Group
- Tom Cull, London’s Poet Laureate
- Joe Antone, Clinical Addictions Councillor, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
When:
Friday, April 27th, 2018, 5:00 p.m.
Where:
Ivey Park, near the Forks of the Thames River
(Parking available at 50 King Street)
London, ON
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)