A Bridgeport woman who started a nonprofit after her daughter died from a fentanyl overdose says she has seen an epidemic increase in fentanyl overdoses reported to her organization.

Iris Seda founded COPE to honor her 22-year-old daughter Anna Sepúlveda, who died last year.

Seda says she is now on a mission to help others struggling with addiction.

COPE distributes naloxone, also known as Narcan, so that people are equipped with what they need to combat an opioid overdose, which can turn deadly quick. To keep young people engaged in the community, COPE is holding a job and resource fair Saturday March 19 from 1-3 p.m. at 1846 Barnum Ave.

The spike in local overdoses is part of a nationwide trend. New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more people are dying from accidental overdoses now more than ever.

A quick shot of Narcan, or a spray in the nostrils, can reverse the immediate effect of an opioid overdoes and save lives.

Seda says she's inspired every day by the memory of her daughter, whom she keeps close to her in an urn.

She says it is a very difficult thing for her to deal with daily, but that it is also a source of inspiration for her to think of the tragedy and to apply the pain that she's going through every day to her practical effort of helping others.