About Us
About Taniel
Taniel was more than a statistic in the overdose crisis – he was a son, a brother, a father, a best friend, and a person who loved deeply. He gave of himself to everyone he met. Despite battling addiction, Taniel’s light shone brightly, radiating kindness and empathy in ways that few could miss. He had a gift for making others feel seen and valued, for giving without asking, and for finding joy even in life’s darkest moments.
His journey with addiction was one of struggle and strength, a reflection of the fight so many endure in seeking recovery. Although Taniel’s life was tragically cut short by overdose, his story does not end there. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, and the love he gave remains woven into the fabric of those who knew him.
Taniel’s Trek was created not only to honor his memory but also to pay tribute to all lives lost to addiction and to stand in solidarity with those who are still on their journey to recovery. This walk is a testament to Taniel’s resilience and spirit, as well as a call for compassion, awareness, and change. By joining us, we walk not only to remember but also to spread the message that recovery is possible, and that hope and healing are within reach.
Taniel’s Trek was created not only to honor his memory but also to pay tribute to all lives lost to addiction and to stand in solidarity with those who are still on their journey to recovery. This walk is a testament to Taniel’s resilience and spirit, as well as a call for compassion, awareness, and change. By joining us, we walk not only to remember but also to spread the message that recovery is possible, and that hope and healing are within reach.
Purpose of the Walk
The purpose of Taniel’s Trek is twofold: to raise awareness about the devastating impact of overdose and to honor the lives lost to addiction. This walk is a powerful opportunity for families, friends, and communities to come together and shed light on an epidemic that affects millions of people each year.
By walking together, we aim to:
- Reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, encouraging more open conversations and understanding.
- Support those who are currently battling addiction, offering hope and resources for recovery.
- Honor and remember the loved ones we’ve lost, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
- Taniel’s Trek is not only a time to reflect and remember, but also a call to action. With each step, we work towards a future where overdose tragedies are preventable, addiction is met with compassion, and help is accessible to all who need it.
- We envision Taniel’s Trek growing into an annual event that will continue to spread awareness, inspire change, and reach new communities in the years to come.
Why Overdose Awareness Matters
- Overdose is one of the leading causes of preventable death, claiming thousands of lives each year. Yet, despite the staggering statistics, addiction and overdose are often shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking help. Every person lost to overdose is someone’s child, parent, sibling, or friend – a life that could have been saved with the right resources and support. The overdose crisis affects individuals from all walks for life, touching every community, and leaving behind grief, heartbreak, and unanswered questions.
- The overdose crisis is not only a public health issue but also an economic one. The CDC estimates that drug overdose deaths cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion annually, considering both healthcare and lost productivity.
- While overdose death impacts all age groups, young adults aged 18-45 are disproportionately affected. In 2021, overdose deaths were the leading cause of death in this age group, surpassing motor vehicle accidents and other causes.
- The increased availability and use of naloxone (Narcan) have saved countless lives, but only a fraction of overdoses are reversed in time. Expanding access to naloxone could prevent even more fatalities. Adding a call to action for naloxone awareness and distribution could be crucial.
- Many overdoses involve multiple substances, such as mixing opioids with benzodiazepines or alcohol, which significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose. This trend has made overdose prevention more challenging.
- Despite the high rates of overdose, only about 10% of people with substance use disorders receive the treatment they need. This highlights the need for better access to and funding for addiction recovery programs.
- Between 2010 and 2020, the rate of opioid-related deaths more than quadrupled. In 2021 alone, more than 80,000 deaths were attributed to opioid overdoses, driven largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- Every overdose death affects families, friends, and communities. For every person who dies from a drug overdose, approximately 30 others are admitted to emergency rooms for nonfatal overdoses. This statistic shows how widespread the impact of overdose is, affecting both individuals and those close to them.
- Overdose rates are rising disproportionately in certain groups, particularly among Black Americans and Native American communities. Black Americans saw a 44% increase in overdose death rates from 2019 to 2020, highlighting the importance of addressing the unique challenges these populations face.
- Illicit drugs, such as counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, are contributing to the rise in overdose deaths. In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, showing how pervasive and dangerous the contamination of common drugs with fentanyl has become.
Why Raising Overdose Awareness Matters
- It can save lives. By educating the public about the signs of overdose, the dangers of drug misuse, and the importance of harm reduction, we can prevent deaths and encourage early intervention.
- It reduces stigma. Addiction is often misunderstood, and those struggling with substance use face shame and isolation. Raising awareness creates a more compassionate, understanding environment where people feel safe seeking help.
- It promotes change and builds stronger communities. Awareness fuels advocacy. Through open conversations, we can push for better resources, addiction treatment, and mental health support in our communities.
- Overdose awareness is about changing perceptions, encouraging understanding, and ultimately saving lives. Through increased education, reduced stigma, and advocacy for better treatment, we can make a real difference in preventing overdose and supporting those affected by addiction.