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Here’s why Vancouver landmarks will be lit up purple tonight

Vancouver will glow purple Monday night, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day
Sarah Grochowski
BC Place
Vancouver will be lit up in purple Aug. 31 for International Overdose Day. Photo: BC Place/Twitter

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia will emanate a purple glow Monday night.

It's to fight against the stigma that prevents compassionate care given to those in the grips of drug addiction.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when provincial overdose death numbers have topped all years prior – memorial gardens, buildings, and social media campaigns will pay purple tribute to the lives taken by the opioid crisis.

BC Place will even glow in a concerted colour.

So far this year 909 lives have been lost, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy mourned in a statement.

“Today, we are coming together around the world to raise awareness of overdoses, help reduce the stigma around substance use and recommit to doing everything we can to turn the tide on this terrible crisis.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to come together with compassion and commitment to prevent further deaths,” she said.

B.C. recorded its third straight month of overdose-death highs this July, with a total of 170.

Monday “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. Each and every person who died was the light of someone’s life, and their absence leaves a profound void," Darcy said.

A demonstration on East Hastings also raised awareness and paid tribute to the painful reality.

Prior to the COVID-19, the number of overdose deaths was coming down in B.C. for the first time since 2012.

“Our combined, evidence-based efforts were making a difference. More than 6,000 deaths were averted according to the BC Centre for Disease Control. That can and must happen again.”

The Minister recommends all Canadians work to help address the opioid overdose crisis by:

  • Knowing how to recognize the signs of an overdose and what to do in response.
  • Learn about naloxone, why it's safe to use if you suspect an opioid overdose, and where to get a free kit.
  • Learn why stigma is preventing people from accessing help, and what to do to help reduce the stigma around substance use.
  • For health professionals, learn more about ways to reduce substance use stigma in the health system and compassionate, safe, and non-stigmatizing communication tools.
  • Check-in regularly on coworkers, friends, and family who may be living alone or working from home and get tips on how to talk to a friend or family member about drugs.

Hundreds of shoes were tied, with purple ribbons, to the Burrard Street Bridge. Each highlighted one of the thousands of lives lost to the overdose crisis since it was declared in 2006.

It was confirmed Friday that Vancouver sports writer, Jason Botchford, in 2019, was one of those who died due to a fentanyl and cocaine overdose.