DENVER — Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith has joined a campaign to raise awareness about the rising number of opioid overdose deaths across the United States.
The "Ready to Rescue" campaign aims to break down the stigma around accidental overdose and help everyone be better prepared for an opioid emergency.
The campaign said the number of opioid overdose deaths in Colorado increased by 54% in 2020 and continued to rise given the rise in synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.
The campaign is educating communities about accidental opioid overdoses and how over-the-counter access to Narcan nasal spray makes it possible for everyone to be prepared to help save a life .
Emmitt Smith will watch his son, Stanford running back E.J. Smith, compete against his former Dallas Cowboys teammate Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes football team on Friday in Boulder.
The public is invited to the "Ready to Rescue" tailgate at Folsom Field on Friday to meet Emmitt Smith, learn the signs of an opioid emergency, see a Narcan demonstration, and receive free product to upgrade their first aid kit.
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