Milwaukee 5K raises awareness of drug overdose impact

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On International Overdose Awareness Day, the community came together to highlight the issue and honor lives lost.

The Rhythm and Soles 5K brought the community together Saturday, Aug. 31 at Veteran’s Park.

“Last year in Milwaukee County alone we lost 668 individuals…that’s according to the medical examiner’s report,” said Tahira Malik with Samad’s House.

Malik says that number is a slight decrease from the previous year, however the opioid epidemic is still an uphill battle. “We have to continue to bring awareness,” she said.

Saturday’s event didn’t just get people moving but also provided solution-based resources.

This included Narcan training, distributing fentanyl testing strips, distributing gun locks, and other resources.

“This is our first year partnering with Healing Starts Today to bring awareness to this event,” said Malik.

The remembered walk was a medial way to honor loved ones lost. “We’re also working to break down the stigma surrounding addiction so that we can normalize a conversation so that we can begin to save lives more proactively,” Malik said.