Dia de los Muertos: Remembering those we lost to overdose.

Every year Dia de los Muertos always fascinates me. I look at it as Halloween with a purpose, filled with tradition and remembrance. So when my job, said they were sponsoring an afrenda at this years celebration I jumped at the chance to cover it.

The event was held at Gloria Molina Grand Park. The park transformed into a sea of marigolds, flickering candles, and families gathered in remembrance. This wasn't just any Día de los Muertos observance. Every year, this vibrant gathering place becomes a sanctuary where Los Angeles communities come together to honor Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It's a tradition deeply rooted in Mexico and indigenous communities, a day dedicated to recognizing those individuals we've lost.

This year LA County’s Harm Reduction team created an alter dedicated to individuals who lost their lives due to drug overdose. Organized through a collaboration between the Department of Health Services and the Department of Public Health, the altar served to honor traditional Mexican and indigenous customs while addressing the ongoing public health overdose crisis. The display included photographs, mementos, and educational materials, reflecting a commitment to remembrance and community engagement.

The altar was part of LA County’s Harm Reduction Division’s campaign, “Rewriting LA County’s Story,” which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use and connect people with essential resources. The campaign has a website https://bylaforla.org which serves as a one stop shop for online overdose prevention and resource information.

In 2024, LA County reported the largest single-year drop in overdose deaths in its history, demonstrating the impact of these collaborative efforts. The altar brought together healthcare providers, educators, and community members to promote understanding and support for those affected by substance use. Next to the ofrenda, the Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC) facilitated an information booth. Staff at the booth demonstrated how to use Naloxone (Narcan) and distributed free doses along with other lifesaving materials, further supporting community harm reduction efforts.

Created by The Curly Collaborative, the altar (affectionately know as Lucinda) carried significance and embodied the campaign’s message of hope. The title, “Corazón y Compassion” (Heart & Compassion) emphasized the importance of collective action and empathy. The initiative highlighted the county’s dedication to honoring lost lives, breaking down stigma, and supporting healthy recovery in our community.

Thomas Y. Lynch

2025 Dia De Los Muertos - LA County Harm Reduction