Aug. 31 is Overdose Grief Day, when people impacted by the preventable and devastating overdose crisis come together to acknowledge all those who have experienced an overdose, the lives we have lost, as well as loved ones and others affected.
For the last two years, nearly two people die every day from an overdose right here in Denver. These numbers are shocking and painful, not only because of the loss of human life, but because each one of those deaths could have been prevented. There are proven methods to prevent overdose such as overdose prevention centers, ending stigma, access to healthcare and distribution of Naloxone. Public health and community care can end overdose.
Instead, the city of Denver has renewed its dedication to the racist and classist “war on drugs.” One week before Overdose Grief Day, Denver Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency announced “Operation Overdose Intercept” that will send a surge of law enforcement into communities continuing failed tactics that hurt people and fail to address overdose…