In 2019, more than 70,000 Americans overdosed and sadly lost their lives to this disease. Deaths caused by drug overdoses has increased by nearly 5% from 2018-19. It has quadrupled since 1999. From 1999-2019, 500,000 people have lost their lives from an overdose involving opioids that includes prescription and illicit opioids. This disease is real and happening around us each and everyday.
When I first received an email from Families Against Narcotics, I wasn't sure what they were exactly all about. By their name you could guess it's just an organization for raising awareness about families effected by narcotics. Let me tell you, it is so much more. I am incredibly thankful for what this organization is doing. The people who shared their stories about losing their sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, are the bravest and strongest people. They are truly inspiring. They offer services such as Navigate, Hope not Handcuffs, Harm: Less, Sober Living Scholarships, and many more. A huge thank you to Fox 2 News for covering important stories such as these to break the stigma of a needle and a spoon and to actually show what this disease entails. Thank you to the Madison Heights Police Department for speaking on the change of training for police to have the right education and tools to not only save the lives of the people effected, but to also find them help and hope. This organization is absolutely phenomenal and if you get 5 minutes to yourself, please research this organization and find a way to help. If you or a loved one are suffering from this disease, please go to www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org.