New Bedford Recognizes Int’l Overdose Awareness

As the world gathered together for International Overdose Awareness Day Wednesday, so did several dozens of people in New Bedford during a service at Pilgrim United Church of Christ downtown. 

Three former addicts spoke to the group about their struggles with addiction, their recovery and loved ones they lost to addiction.

The gathering also featured music, prayers and information about resources for those in need.

A common theme from the speakers was that awareness of addiction has been stifled by the long-standing stigma.

"I really believe they're just not junkies, they were individuals who I cared about and I spoke to on a regular basis who have fought the fight and they just lost the battle," Danielle Brown said about loved ones and friends she's lost to overdoses.

Jamie Casey was an addict for over 20 years before turning things around and becoming an associate pastor at South Coast Community Church in Fairhaven. He told those in attendance the cure to addiction is action.

"It's going to take a whole community being as invasive as possible, as courageous as possible, as loving as possible to stand up against a demon like this," said Casey.

The observation was hosted in part by Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction and DrugFreeNB.