Northampton raises awareness for those affected by drug addiction and overdose

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Western Massachusetts communities are raising awareness ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day this weekend.

It was a moment of reflection, grief, and sadness. Candles flickered and paper hearts swayed, all in remembrance of those who’ve tragically lost their lives to a drug overdose.

One mom signed a paper heart in memory of her 26-year-old daughter, Eliza. “She ended up overdosing on her birthday. No one knew that she was relapsing, and it was really traumatic for all of us,” said Cara Moser of Northampton.

Moser was one of the many individuals at the overdose awareness event and vigil outside Northampton’s Forbes Library, hoping to put an end to the increase in overdoses and break the stigma around the growing issue. We spoke with a member of the Northampton Recovery Center, Kristen Dubuque who said many people who need care don’t seek it, due to mistreatment and stereotyping.

“I know myself I’m in recovery and it took a long time to get the help I needed cuz I don’t want to admit to anyone I had a problem,” said Dubuque.

Now she hopes she can also help others break the cycle of addiction.

“It’s whatever you’re ready for and just knowing that at any place that you could go, you could still be using and still get help,” added Dubuque.

In Massachusetts last year, opioid-related overdoses accounted for more than 2,100 confirmed and estimated deaths. “One thing that puts most risk at people dying is overusing when you’re alone and so it’s really important to figure out ways to decrease isolation and to support people in that,” expressed Director of Harm Reduction at Tapestry Health, Liz Whynott.

Whynott adds the best way to do that is opening up opioid overdose prevention centers to provide a safe space and health services for people who need it.

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