The Pima County Health Department is using the power of public display to shine a light on the often-overlooked issue of overdose deaths. With its debut float in last month's All Souls Procession, the department's Community Mental Health & Addiction (CMHA) division takes a stand in acknowledging the human stories behind stark overdose statistics. The recent exhibit is part of an ongoing effort to foster awareness and compassion for those affected by addiction in the Pima County community.
Overdose has claimed over 3,000 lives in Pima County since 2017, and this year, the grim toll includes 372 individuals, according to Pima County. This CMHA initiative is a gesture towards alleviating the silence surrounding this crisis. Representing a mobile dedication space or "ofrenda," their float features personal tributes to lives lost, such as scrolling images and wooden butterflies inscribed with the names of the deceased, presented by their loved ones.
Heather Severson, the newest team member of CMHA and the division's training and education coordinator, emphasized the impact of personal stories in understanding the scope of addiction. “Behind every statistic is a life. Behind every life, a story,” Severson told Pima County Newsroom. She highlighted the importance of commemorating those lost not by how they died, but by the memories and love they leave behind.
Stigma remains a significant barrier to addressing substance abuse and addiction-related issues. The Pima County Health Department's float in the All Souls Procession looks to combat this challenge head-on. “Stigma is the enemy of healing,” Severson pointed out, as per Pima County. Through their public acknowledgment of individual lives impacted by addiction, and by creating a space for open dialogue, the CMHA division is actively working towards dismantling a stigma and fostering a community that is more understanding and cohesive in the face of adversity.
