Today, the #CityOfTO proclaimed August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day. This day is observed annually within local communities around the world coming together to remember those who have died due to drug poisonings, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. The drug poisoning crisis and the increasingly toxic supply of unregulated drugs continue to be urgent public health issues in Toronto and across Ontario. Recent Toronto Public Health data show that during the first seven months of 2022, Toronto Paramedic Services responded to 172 fatal suspected opioid overdose calls. Tragically, the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. The unregulated drug supply is increasing toxic and unpredictable. The unregulated opioid supply is now dominated by fentanyl, which has replaced heroin/morphine as the most commonly present opioid in accidental drug toxicity deaths in Toronto. In addition, the unregulated fentanyl supply contains varying concentrations and may contain unexpected drugs. Every shelter program in the City offers harm reduction services to clients, which may include wellness checks, peer witnessing programs and supervised consumption services. Staff are trained on drug use, harm reduction, and overdose prevention and response, including administration of naloxone. It is a testament to the policies in place and the quick action of trained staff, clients and City first responders that more than 224 non-fatal overdose interventions occurred More information can be found at Toronto.ca and search Housing and Homelessness Research and Reports