People lost to overdoses remembered in Louisville, march held for drug awareness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People lost to overdoses were remembered on Saturday in downtown Louisville.

Louisville nonprofit VOCAL-KY led a community event at Jefferson Square Park on International Overdose Awareness Day. Loved ones who died from overdoses were remember as organizers called for investments into housing, services and care.

According to the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, fentanyl is the state's number one opioid killer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, some of whom aren't aware they're taking it since it's commonly mixed into other drugs. Fentanyl is also made into pills that resemble prescription opioids.

"While we are proud that our numbers are going down in certain groups but in the Black and brown and poor marginalized communities those numbers keep going through the roof so we want to safe lives and we want to hold that awareness," said Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, D-3.

Fentanyl caused 79% of last year's overdose deaths in Kentucky. Methamphetamine was second.

Drug overdose deaths in Kentucky fell nearly 10% in 2023, marking a second straight annual decline in the fight against an addiction epidemic, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

The number of fatal overdoses statewide dropped below 2,000, as officials credited a comprehensive response that includes treatment and prevention as well as illegal drug seizures by law enforcement.

A total of 1,984 Kentuckians died last year from a drug overdose, down 9.8% from the prior year, according to the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report.

Estill County had the highest rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 residents at 187.3. Jefferson County — by far the state's most populous county — saw the most total overdose deaths involving fentanyl at 494. Fayette County was second with 160.

Over in the Russell neighborhood about a dozen people also took part in a march against drugs.

DRUG RECOVERY MARCH.jpeg — Over in the Russell neighborhood about a dozen people also took part in a march against drugs on Aug. 31, 2024. (WDRB photo)

The event was organized by people who live in the area, The group met at the Lyles Mall and walked several blocks down 26th Street.

The goal was to be a voice for those who are struggling with drugs and to point them to help and recovery.

"I got my church family with me so I am not by myself and I am ready to fight because somebody's child wants to live but just needs a little push on where they can go and we come to bring the resources on where they can go and get help at," walk organizer Pedia Turner said.

During the walk, the group handed out flyers with the names of several recovery resources.

For more information about VOCAL-KY and how to get involved, click here.

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