Overdose awareness vigil held in Belchertown

Belchertown, Mass. (WWLP)- 2,125 purple flags were placed on the Belchertown town common Saturday.

Those flags honored individuals in Massachusetts who lost their lives to an overdose last year.

A mother who lost two of her children to an overdose has launched a non-profit, Team Sharing, to help parents struggling.

“We reach out to families when we find out that there’s been a loss, we will show up to the wake, we’ll bring five or six parents to show up to let that mom know you are not alone”, Cheryl Juaire, founder of Team Sharing.

Community leaders also using the opportunity to remind those attending of the dangers of street drugs.

“The fentanyl epidemic out there is awful. 80 million pills were seized this past year from the D.E.A. and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl this year. 7 out of 10 of those pills are deadly” says Kris Hoag, chair of Belchertown overcoming adversity together.

If you or someone you know needs help, below are some resources:

BOAT : Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together

Team Sharing : where support meets action

MA Young People in Recovery : call 617-657-1031 or text 617-657-1031

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