Waterloo – Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event aiming to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of overdoses. The following Wilfrid Laurier University experts are available to comment on various aspects of overdose awareness.

Bruce McKay, associate professor in psychology and academic lead for the Milton campus, is an expert on the behavioural, biological and socio-cultural effects of recreational psychoactive drugs, as well as strategies for harm reduction. He is available to comment on alcohol and drug-use trends and harmful outcomes associated with excessive drug use. Contact: bmckay@wlu.ca.

Maritt Kirst, assistant professor of community psychology, is an expert on mental health, addictions and the effects of social context on substance use and mental health problems among adults and youth. She is available for comment on harm reduction and overdose prevention services. Contact: mkirst@wlu.ca or 519.884.0710 x3077.

Brice Balmer, assistant professor in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy at Martin Luther University College, is an expert in addiction, spirituality and harm reduction. An ordained Mennonite minister, he has worked extensively in addictions treatment and is available to comment on spirituality in addictions and recovery. Contact: bbalmer@luther.wlu.ca or 519.884.0710 x3927.