As International Overdose Awareness Day approaches, numerous families are sharing their tragic experiences with substance use and advocating for change to combat the opioid crisis. Leslie Mcbain co-founded Moms Stop the Harm after losing her son to an overdose in 2014, aiming for better drug policies and safer supplies for addicts. Angela Telford reflects on her daughter Crystal's overdose death, emphasizing the importance of compassion over stigma in addressing addiction. Christina Olivencia mourns her partner's death from fentanyl-laced cocaine, calling for legislative changes to better address the consequences of such tragedies. In Virginia, schools are beginning to educate students on the dangers of fentanyl, a move supported by families affected by loss. These stories highlight a growing collective effort to raise awareness and prevent further casualties from drug overdoses.