DES MOINES, Iowa —

Steps of Hope Iowa gathered outside the Capitol building Sunday evening to display the faces of more than 1,700 overdose victims, aiming to honor loved ones and raise awareness about addiction and overdose.

"We've got our beautiful people from Iowa over here on banners," said Steps of Hope Iowa organizer Ann Breeding, highlighting the powerful display.

"It's powerful. It's bittersweet. There is blessing because I get to see my son. And I feel like this keeps them with us, right? And they are making a difference," Breeding said, expressing the emotional significance of the event.

The gathering provided a sense of community and support for those affected by overdose. "It tells us that we are not alone. It tells us that we do have support. It tells us that our people do

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