Interactive Map Humanizes Massive Epidemic
At times, the sheer statistics of the opioid crisis can be overwhelming as tens of thousands have died from every state in the country.
Now, as reported by Fast Company, the National Safety Council is adopting an interactive map that brings a face to many of these statistics.
Using mapping technology from Esri, loved ones of victims cope with their loss by crowdsourcing an interactive memorial. The “Celebrating Lost Loved Ones” map, which was created in 2016 by Esri engineer Jeremiah Lindemann, allows users to add images and descriptions of their late loved ones, along with the place of their death.
The result is a poignant and devastating homage to overdose victims across the country, one that emphasizes the human toll behind the opioid crisis with a visual record of the people it is leaving in its wake.
Since it was created, the map has gathered more than 1,300 memorials and counting. In a testament to its effectiveness, the National Safety Council is announcing this week that it will “adopt” the map and use it to help raise awareness about the opioid epidemic.Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of NSC, said in a statement that the map “can help reduce the stigma around opioid-related deaths by allowing us to get to know those in our community who were loved and are so deeply missed.”
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To see the interactive map, please visit Lost to Opioids.com.
