An area hospital hosts a memorial service this evening to honor those who have lost their lives to substance abuse.

UPMC Western Behavioral Health held its annual Vigil of Hope to remember to who have encountered addiction. This was held at Safe Harbor on West 26th Street.

Their other goal is to create a safe space and bring light on the negative impacts of substance use, such as the stigma it could bring to loved ones. Resources were available at the gathering.

"They can remember all the positive things in wonderful memories and also i hope it is a space where if someone is still struggling, they hear something that they might need to hear to lead them in their path of recovery," said Jessianne Montie, program director for UPMC Western Behavioral Health.

This marked the vigil's eighth

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