Mother who lost son from fentanyl poisoning spreading awareness and fighting stigma [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Tuesday is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Sharon Kitts is speaking out about her son, Dustin Monroe, who lost his life to fentanyl poisoning. It’s a tragic situation that she hopes can help spread awareness and reduce the stigma around addiction.

“It does happen, and I hope by looking at it and telling his story, we can save some lives, even if it’s just one,” Kitts said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is often mixed in with other illicit drugs. Just two milligrams of the substance could be deadly, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of deadly overdoses in the state, with at least seven Tennesseans dying from fentanyl poisoning each day, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

Kitts said it is important to share stories of loved ones affected by fentanyl poisoning to help spread awareness.

“That’s what our addicts need. …