Harm Reduction Center commemorates lost loved ones to drug overdoses

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — In the last year, the Harm Reduction Center and Fargo Cass Public Health have helped over 450 people with non-lethal overdoses. But in the same year, 34 people lost their lives.

“These are individuals with family, friends that fell in the cusp of addiction. So I mean, this is not just statistics we’re talking about this is somebody’s loved one. This is somebody that may even have a family of their own. And it’s time to honor that and take action, you know, try to combat the opioid crisis,” said Kyle Christianson, Harm Reduction Specialist for Fargo Cass Public Health.

In 2021, the Harm Reduction Center partnered with local artist Kim Jore to commemorate individuals who have lost their lives to drug overdose. Families and friends have shared the names of their loved ones, and each year a butterfly has been painted to represent them. Alongside the mural, the center has placed 34 purple flags representing the lost loved ones.

“As a community, we need to be more supportive and not have so much stigma when it comes to people who use drugs and have a little bit more compassion and empathy,” said Christianson.

In 2024, an estimated 80,391 people in the United States died from drug overdoses. It’s a 26.9 percent decrease from 2023. While almost all the states have seen a reduction, South Dakota has reported increases compared to 2023.

“Well, fortunately, in the past few years, the trend in the area has gone down. So it has gone down a few individuals each year for the past few years. So while that is hopeful, there is also a lot more non-fatal overdoses, but thank goodness for the help of naloxone and Narcan. We’re able to see a difference in those numbers now,” said Christianson.

Fargo City Hall will be illuminating their lights to purple on Sunday to represent the International Overdose Awareness Day.