EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of many in the state. On Monday night, a vigil was held in Easthampton to hear from not only trying to stop overdoses but also breaking stigmas.
It was a moment of grief and reflection at Easthampton’s Millside Park Monday night, as many came out to remember the loved ones they lost to an opioid overdose.
“It’s really important for us to say we are here, we get it, we are here to help people, and support those grieveing, and know nobody is alone in this,” said Community Social Worker, Elizabeth Plouffe.
Elizabeth Plouffe was one of many joining forces for the city’s 3rd overdose awareness vigil, ahead of International Overdose awareness Day this Saturday. Families and friends were given the opportunity to display luminaries to remember their loved ones who died from an opioid overdose, along with photos and written messages.
“Some of these indivuals that pass away they were parents, daughters, best friends, so when someone dies from an overdose it’s not just another number we lost, it’s somebody important,” expressed Western Mass Regional Coordinator for Addiction Recovery, Nico Licea Western Mass Regional Coordinator for Addiction Recovery.
In the state of last year, opioid-related overdoses accounted for more than 2,100 confirmed and estimated deaths. Nico is one of many who shared his story in hopes of inspiring others to find sobriety and break the cycle of addiction.
“It’s not a matter of starting it, it’s maintaining it, starting is the easist thing to do, the hardest thing to do is to keep going and I’m not going to do it, but you don’t do that alone it’s a community.”
According to Learn to Cope’s director, this event also served as a call to action to eliminate the stigma associated with substance abuse.
“Nobody wants to talk about what is going on, nobody wants to be right there when it’s going on and that’s what makes the difference,” said Director of Learn to Cope, Peter Babineau.
Various resources from the grief community and recovery community were there to bring hope and help to those struggling.
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