Halloween Syringe Pens A 'Slap In The Face': Local Overdose Survivor

The mother of a Central Bucks South graduate who died from a drug overdose is publicly expressing her outrage over a product that is stocking some store shelves this Halloween.

Valerie Fiore says the Halloween Syringe Pens being sold this season at Target and other retailers are “a slap in the face” to people who have lost a loved one to drug addiction, according to a report by the Philadelphia Daily News.

Fiore, who lives in Warrington, lost her son, Anthony, to a drug addiction last year. Anthony Fiore, a 2008 Graduate of Central Bucks South, was 24 at the time of his death.

The pens, which resemble hypodermic needles, are accessories designed to give ”any costume a spooky medical touch,” Spirit Halloween says on its website.

But Fiore says they’re ”despicable.”

She wrote this in a letter to Target, according to the Daily News:

“I think it’s despicable that you are promoting drug use with your syringe pens, or as you call them ‘Halloween toys,’ “ Fiore wrote to Target executive vice president and chief operating officer John Mulligan. “Are you not aware of the heroin/opiate epidemic that has claimed over 200,000 lives since 2010? . . . You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

According to a letter Fiore shared on her Facebook page, a Target representative replied.

“Occasionally, we carry merchandise that some guests may find objectionable, as was your experience. Your feedback is a big help to us. I’ve shared your comments with our buyers for review. I understand our apologies may not completely eliminate your frustration, but I hope you will continue shopping with us,” the reply said.

What do you think? Should Target remove the syringe pens from the shelves? Share you thoughts in the comment section below.