Vancouver International Airport (YVR)’s control tower was one of many landmarks in Metro Vancouver to light up in a purple glow in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday evening.
The day is observed on Aug. 31 each year and is a reminder to help fight the stigma of drug-related deaths and drug addiction.
Since January, there have been 909 lives lost to an illegal drug supply.
“It is a day to remember loved ones who have been lost to this crisis and show our support for their families and friends as they continue to grieve,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, in a statement.
“Each and every person who died was the light of someone’s life, and their absence leaves a profound void.”
Darcy added that the day also recognized family members, peer-support workers, harm-reduction workers, addiction and recovery workers and frontline community workers who have helped saved many lives and supporting people through the overdose crisis in B.C.
“It is in their honour, and in tribute to the lives that have been lost, that we continue to work overtime to add supports and services to reduce overdoses, save lives and support more people on the pathway to healing that is right for them."
