Milwaukee community leaders hold event to highlight National Fentanyl Awareness Day, honor lives lost

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thursday, Aug. 21, is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day dedicated to educating the community about the dangerous drug and remembering lives lost.

Several Wisconsin officials, including Governor Tony Evers, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also issued proclamations in recognition.

On Thursday, local leaders gathered inside of the Washington Park Senior Center to host what they hope is the first of many annual events highlighting the day.

Many shared personal stories about overcoming addiction, whether it was themselves or a loved one.

“We share information, we share knowledge, and we’re better for it because we share," said Heddy Keith, the founder for the Center for Leadership of Afrikan Women's Wellness. “We need to embrace them and not shun them but embrace them and try to help them.”

Keith herself spoke about her son, who died years ago.

“It was late at night, and I heard a knock at my door," Keith recalled. “When you lose a child, it’s like an arm or a leg is missing.”

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45.

It's also responsible for nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in the last year.

“I realized that this stigma exists and for these people to be vulnerable with us and to share their stories and hope it’ll help others avoid their experience, is a blessing. What bravery!” said Debra Gillispie, founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence. "Regardless of what you’re going through, there is help, there’s resources.”