National Safety Council Statement on the Death of Prince

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Jun 02, 2016, 02:08 ET

ITASCA, Ill., June 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council extends its deepest sympathies to Prince's family, friends, band members and millions of fans as they grapple with this loss. On April 21, the musical icon reportedly was one of 52 people to die from prescription opioid overdose. Since his death, 2,183 more have fatally overdosed on these legally prescribed medicines. This epidemic cuts short the lives of those we love – those close to us as well as beloved celebrities.

The mission of the National Safety Council is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. (PRNewsFoto/National Safety Council)

With nearly 19,000 people dying every year from opioid overdoses, it is past time for all of us to take up the mantle and end this crisis. Artists and the music industry have an incredible platform from which to raise awareness and create change, and we urge them to use it.

Fittingly, purple ribbons are universally worn in remembrance of those we've lost to overdoses. NSC calls on everyone to wear a purple ribbon in honor of Prince and the tens of thousands who have gone before him.

A powerful voice has been silenced. Another 52 will be silenced today, 52 more tomorrow and every day until change happens.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council