COLORADO SPRINGS — Wednesday night, community members crowded the steps of the Colorado Springs City Hall to remember, without stigma, those who have died due to overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
"My grandma used to say that joy shared is doubled.. and grief shared is halved," said Truett Scofield, who lost his 18-year-old son, TJ, to heroin back in 2021.
August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose.
"My main goal is to try to reduce stigma. It's not a indictment of your loved one that they passed this way." said Scofield.
The evening included talks from family members who have lost loved ones, Doctor Leon Kelly, the El Paso County Coroner, and Narcan training.
El Paso County experienced a 22% increase in drug-related accidental deaths over the course of 2021; fentanyl deaths more than doubled reaching 99 deaths.
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