Service raises awareness of pill addiction

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A mass was celebrated at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach Monday in memory of those that have been lost to prescription pain pills.

Family and friends gathered to honor their loved ones.

Organizers said the gathering serves as a reminder on how potentially deadly illegal pill mills are in South Florida.

Monday's service was the idea of Gina Bartolucci. She lost her son Joseph two years ago today. Joseph was 24.

"We are grateful to God for the time we were given with Joey, and we look forward to the day when we will see him again," said the Bartolucci family.

NOPE (Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education) holds family support group meetings for those who have lost loved ones to drug related deaths on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Hanley Resource Center in West Palm Beach.