Orange County

Central Florida mourns lives lost to addiction on International Overdose Awareness Day

ORLANDO, Fla. — A special service was held Wednesday to mourn the lives lost in Central Florida on International Overdose Awareness Day.

Watch: Central Florida fentanyl overdose numbers on the rise among elderly

Local leaders attended an emotional ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Orlando to talk about solutions to this growing problem.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Those who lost a loved one shared their stories of hope, healing and action.

Photos: Central Florida mourns lives lost to addiction on International Overdose Awareness Day

They were united by the same mission: to reduce drug overdose deaths and break the stigma surrounding it.

Read: ‘Rainbow’ fentanyl warning: DEA says brightly colored pills, powder used to target young users

Health department data shows the alarming number of deaths from drug poisoning in Central Florida.

Data shows more than 1,000 people died from overdoses in Florida last year.

Brevard and Orange counties both reported more than 350 deaths.

Read: Florida man sentenced to 25 years for causing overdoses, dumping body

In Seminole County, Sheriff Dennis Lima said his deputies are deploying Narcan at record rates.

Narcan is a lifesaving medicine that can reverse the effects of an overdose.

Watch more in the video above.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.