Unfortunately, the country experiences fatal heroin overdoses - including right here in Colorado.

According to the Pueblo Chieftain, Pueblo County had 12 heroin overdoses in 2015 and 2016 each, marking the highest rate in the state. The county had an additional 26 drug-related deaths in 2016.

A needle exchange program in the county, run by Dr. Michael Nerenberg, currently services about 360 people each month, 9NEWS reports. Dr. Nerenberg says such programs are the first step in helping people recover from drug addiction.

Read the rest of the Pueblo Chieftain's report here.

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