SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Several groups are holding a vigil for people who have died from drug overdoses or who have overcome drug overdoses.
The event is 7:30 p.m. Friday on the steps of City Hall.
In Minnehaha County, the groups say 38 people have overdosed and died from drugs between January 1st, 2018 and June 30th, 2019.
Below is a news release from the City of Sioux Falls.
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota: They are our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles. In the United States, 192 people die every day from drug overdose. In Minnehaha County alone, 38 people have overdosed and died from legal and illegal drugs from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.
Community partners are coming together on Friday, August 30, to remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, as well as to recognize those who have overdosed and been revived. A candlelight vigil will take place that evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the steps of Sioux Falls City Hall at 224 West Ninth Street.
The partners hope that raising awareness of this deadly issue in our community will help save lives. Participants in the vigil include Mayor Paul TenHaken, first responders, and individuals impacted by substance use disorder. Denise Blomberg, who lost her son Ryan to a fentanyl overdose, will tell his story.
The public is invited to attend this event, which is sponsored by the Addiction Policy Forum and Emily’s Hope.
