Salem Billboard Honored Fentanyl Overdose Victims
A new billboard on Commercial Street seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Substance Abuse
A campaign known as Leona's Legacy of Love has launched a billboard on Commercial Street in Salem featuring the faces of people who died from fentanyl. The display includes the photo of Brendon Bennett among dozens of other individuals lost to the drug.
Why it matters
The display aims to educate the public about fentanyl dangers and highlight the availability of local overdose prevention resources. This initiative provides a visual reminder of the human cost of the ongoing opioid crisis.
The display features dozens of photographs of individuals who died from fentanyl-related causes. The effort represents a public-facing awareness campaign to draw attention to overdose prevention.
The players
Leona's Legacy of Love
A Missouri-based advocacy group focused on public awareness regarding fentanyl dangers and overdose prevention.
Brendon Bennett
An individual featured on the Salem billboard who passed away from fentanyl exposure.
The details
The campaign uses the photographic portraits of deceased individuals to humanize the statistical impact of the fentanyl epidemic. By placing the billboard on a high-traffic route like Commercial Street, the organization seeks to increase the visibility of safety information and prevention support services.
Timeline
The billboard featuring Brendon Bennett was active in October 2026.
Health Landscape
This effort aligns with the shift toward public-facing awareness campaigns that emphasize harm reduction and community-based support. It reflects the broader transition in policy and outreach as states increase funding for overdose prevention services.
Residents seeking information on overdose prevention or treatment services should consult with a healthcare professional to identify validated local resources. Recognizing the signs of opioid poisoning and knowing how to access harm reduction tools are essential steps for community safety.
The takeaway
Visual advocacy campaigns serve as a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing fentanyl risks within the community. If you or a loved one are concerned about opioid risks, speak with a primary care provider about overdose prevention strategies and support networks.
Further reading
For more information on local support, see the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salem Reporter.
