The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August released preliminary data from earlier this year that suggested overdose deaths were declining nationwide. But each death can send shockwaves of grief rippling through the families and communities left behind. Those survivors often feel isolated and may encounter shame and stigma when they talk about their loved ones who died by overdose. Grief counselor David Swindell lost his own son to overdose and works with individuals who are grieving their loved ones after a fatal overdose. Swindell spoke to PBS News’ Laura Santhanam ahead of Aug. 31, which marks International Overdose Awareness Day.
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