Opioid memorial wall features 22,000 faces for the 22,000 people lost to the addiction

A memorial wall dedicated to the victims of opioid abuse is at Canalside until August 26th.

It features 22,000 faces to represent the 22,000 people who died from opioid abuse in 2015. Each face is carved out of pills. 

"The visual effect of this goes way beyond what I could say as a father," Avi Israel, whose son died in 2015 to an opioid overdose, said.

In Erie County this year, there there have been 76 confirmed opioid overdoses. It's why parents of children who died from overdoses like Melissa Weiksnar want more places equipped with Narcan. It's a medication that can help prevent overdoses from turning deadly.

"If you knew somebody who had a life threatening allergy to bee stings or peanut butter you would have an epi pen available."

There is also a separate wall in the exhibit that's unique to Buffalo. People can place memorabilia of loved ones who have died from opioid abuse on it.

Have a news tip, question or comment?