Sunday, August 30th

Credit: Pixabay | James Ronin

~ from posts on The United Church of Canada Website including one dated July 22, 2026

In August 2025, General Council 45 supported the resolution for a Harm Reduction Sunday to be observed across the United Church.  As a result, Harm Reduction Sunday is marked on the last Sunday in August to reduce the harms and stigma for people who use drugs.

The Rev. Jeffrey Dale, a minister at College Street United Church, writes

Harm reduction services have come under attack through provincial government regulations and policies. Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have closed Safe Consumption Sites and related services, resulting in increased overdose responses in the wider community. The Drug Users Liberation Fund in Vancouver was found guilty of drug trafficking charges, and the case is now before the British Columbia Court of Appeal, with the potential to reach the Supreme Court of Canada. Other provinces are experiencing increased surveillance, stigma, and the closure of supports for people who use drugs and those living precariously.

For many of us working in harm reduction, the situation seems quite bleak.

Yet, Canadians are seeking out ways to support people who use drugs. Recently, Toronto Blue Jays player Davis Schneider partnered with Emergent BioSolutions, a manufacturer of Narcan, to draw attention to the toxic drug crisis. Schneider’s brother died because of toxic drugs in November 2020, and, as Schneider said in an interview, “Probably the most devastating thing is that he was alone, he wasn’t with anyone.”

His words remind us, who are called to this ministry of care, witness, and community, that we cannot leave the most vulnerable among us to die in places of isolation or neglect. We cannot live in a bubble that shields us from the realities of this world.

~ from the blog, “Does It Get Better? An Invitation to Participate in Harm Reduction Sunday” found here on The United Church of Canada’s website.

A Prayer for Harm Reduction Sunday

God of the cross,
You who call us into active presence and participation,
Be present as we consider the ways you challenged us to live lives worthy of your purpose.
Be present as we recognize the wounds inflicted on members of our community.
Be present as you call us to act with integrity and hope in response to the systems of neglect, stigma, and isolation.
For we know, the toxic drug crisis continues to claim the lives of neighbours, friends, family and community members,
For we know, the toxic drug crisis is volatile and reaches across the globe.
For we know, that every life lost is another story cut short by the crucifixions of our world.
Challenge us
Enliven us.
Call us.
Amen

~ This prayer was written by the Rev. Jeffrey Dale and is found here.