ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — A new billboard featuring the faces of Colorado fentanyl overdose victims was unveiled at the corner of Parker Road and Iliff Avenue on Saturday.
Dozens of family members gathered at the intersection for a rally, hoping to raise awareness to the fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl overdose is now the number one killer of Americans between the ages of 18-45, according to the DEA.
“It’s dangerous and we have to stop it,” said Sabrina Jankowski. “People don’t realize the dangers.”
Jankowski lost her son Joey in 2022 to a fentanyl overdose, after she said he used cocaine laced with the deadly drug.
“It was his birthday week, and he took a chance, and it cost him his life,” she said.
Joey’s face is one of those on the billboard, which was both comforting and difficult for Jankowski to see on Mother’s Day weekend.
She hopes people driving by think about the fentanyl crisis and have discussions with their friends and children about the dangers.
“I hope that they think about the dangers of fentanyl. If you look at the pictures on that billboard, they are people from all different walks of life.”
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Investigations & Crime
> Share your photos or video with 9NEWS through “Near Me” on the free 9NEWS app! DOWNLOAD APP FOR IPHONE HERE or DOWNLOAD APP FOR ANDROID HERE.