Fentanyl Awareness increasing in the Ozarks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-On the eve of International Overdose Awareness Day, fentanyl awareness groups are making sure the people of Greene County know that this deadly drug is a problem right here in their own community.

People at the event said that the younger generations are the ones being impacted the most by this deadly drug

“A lot of these kids, these are teenagers, every one of them are teenagers,” Jim Willfred said. “They were experimenting or something and they didn’t want to die.”

Today, the group, A Second Chance at Life, held a fentanyl awareness event that also was to remember those who lost their lives unexpectedly.

Willfred lost his son, Austin to fentanyl poisoning. He said Austin was a friend to people who needed it as well as an advocate against drugs.

“Austin was also the kid that would stay up all night and talk to a friend to help keep him sober. And even when he died, he was wearing a bracelet that said stop heroin, because he was so adamant against people doing hard drugs,” Willfred said.

Because groups like, A Second Chance at Life, say awareness of the drug is crucial, they held the event under a new remembrance billboard, the 100 ^th placed by the Leona’s Legacy of Love foundation.

The foundation was created by Christina Maliszewski, after losing her daughter Leona to a poisoning after moving to Springfield in 2022. There are 99 other billboards across the United States, similar to the one unveiled today on Campbell.

Jayy Harris also came to show support, saying this isn’t a battle anyone should fight alone

“Keep educating yourself, educate others, protect yourself. Everybody here has experience with a little bit.  I’m four years sober, so giving advice and reaching out. It takes a community. You know, you can’t do it by yourself,” Harris said.

If you are looking to get involved in spreading awareness in the community, Living Proof Ministry is hosting a National Overdose Awareness and Neighbor Day, Saturday August 31 at 1909 W Chestnut Expressway.

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