Target Stores Mock Parents Who have Lost children to the Prescription Opioid/Heroin Epidemic!

It is irresponsible to sell pretend syringes in jest, when IV drug use is killing people more than ever.

(Some) Target stores have pretend IV drug syringes (pens) on the shelves for Halloween.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Target Stores have been promoting a "Spritz Halloween Syringe Pen" for sale in their "family" stores all over the country. (Photo of syringe pens are shown).

When I learned of Target's outrageous retail practice of profiting from a drug epidemic which is resulting in deaths and addictions in the tens of thousands, I emailed the following to John Mulligan, Executive VP:

Mr. Mulligan - we are losing a generation as a result of the prescription opioid epidemic now leading to a surge in heroin usage. Target is selling a pen in the shape of a syringe. Shame on you!

I received a reply from a "Terry" representing Target's executive offices which is shown below:

hello Marianne, Thanks for contacting Target, your email has been received by our Executive Offices and I have been asked to respond. I'm sorry to hear that you've been offended by the Spritz Halloween Syringe Pens. Target welcomes everyone to shop in our stores and has a long history of offering a large assortment of merchandise to a wide variety of guests. Though we serve a significant number of families across the country, we also serve many guests with diverse tastes and interests. Occasionally, we carry merchandise that some guests may find objectionable, as was your experience. Your feedback is a big help to us, so I'll be sure to share your comments with our buyers. Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback. Sincerely, Terry Target Corporation www.target.com

"Occasionally, we carry merchandise that some guests may find objectionable, as was your experience" -- no Terry I don't find it objectionable, I find it irresponsible and degrading to families who have lost loved ones to this horrific epidemic.

Offended? You bet I am.

I sent the below email to John Mulligan as well as other executives from Target. I don't expect a response from any of them -- but I do expect a response from parents all over the country who find the loss of their family members unbearable especially during the holidays.

Mr. Mulligan -- this is the reply I received from your "Guest Relations". Shame on you! There are parents all over the country who have lost children to the prescription opioid/heroin epidemic -- in the tens of thousands. Yes I find it objectionable and your lack of concern for the loss of life is inexcusable.

Email addresses for executives at Target are:
john.mulligan@target.com
brian.cornell@target.com
tim.baer@target.com
casey.carl@target.com

So I repeat: Target -- what were you thinking? A message of syringes to young children for Halloween? Are profits that important to you? Hopefully Target's profits for Christmas shopping will reflect families outrage in all 50 states for mocking the prescription opioid/heroin epidemic -- and the loss of the lives of children.

LP - Because you are -- I am. Because I am -- you are loved more than you know.