PAACA Building Community Allies In Fight Against Opioid Abuse

Opioid abuse in New Bedford continues to claim lives, but the fight to save lives is gaining allies everyday.

PAACA hosted a program on Monday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, and to update the community on efforts to educate the public on how they can help loved ones overcome addiction.

PAACA Director Carl Alves says local governments, schools, families and clergy members are all helping. "We have such a great community," said Alves. "it's a horrible condition, but there is hope when we all come toghether and realize that so many people are working on this," he added.

One of the groups working on the issue is the New Bedford Police Department. Chief David Provencher announced Monday that his officers have responded to 146 overdose calls since April, and have successfully used the anti-overdose drug Narcan 139 times. That's a 95% life-saving rate.

"Rose" is a 25 year old volunteer at PAACA, who has seen friends die from an overdose. She credits her parents for helping her turn her life around.

"Rose" now works in sales, has meet new friends, and helps others find the road to recovery. Her advice to others is simple. "Always pray to whoever they believe in, It's willpower, you've got to want to do better. Be around positive people, she added.

"Rose" was among the 100 or so peple attending the International Overdose Awareness Day Program At PAACA on Monday.