People around the world recognized International Overdose Awareness Day Sunday.
And Sunday night, there was a candlelight vigil underneath the Arc of Dreams in downtown Sioux Falls. Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke says there have been 46 overdose deaths in Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties in the last 18 months.
“This is not only a chance for us to remember those we’ve lost, and we see the arc lit up purple for International Overdose Awareness Day, but it’s also a chance for us to recognize those who have survived overdose and the promise that they hold in the future as well,” Kennecke said.
Several people spoke at the event, including Sammi Swier. She lost her cousin, Marie, who she affectionately called Binky, to an overdose in April.
“I hope if there’s anyone here struggling tonight that they take away that they are loved and that they go to the people that love them and ask for help. Even if we can just save one life with Binky’s story, it would mean everything to us,” Swier said.
Organizers also laid out 46 empty shoes to represent the lives lost to overdose.