New Bedford To Observe Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day will be observed this Monday in New Bedford and across the world.

Carl Alves, the Executive Director of Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, or PAACA, told WBSM's Phil Paleologos that the event will feature an opening prayer, discussions, representatives from various organizations that help those struggling with addiction, pizza, and a screening of the film, "Anonymous People."

Alves like this can help to erase the stigma of drug addiction and allow those who may be struggling to come forward and get help.

"It's that isolation and feeling of shame, or embarrasment, or what have you, that perpetuates the condition and that's what we're trying to overcome, we're trying to destigmatize the issue," said Alves.

The event begins at 9 a.m. at PAACA headquarters located at 360 Coggeshall St. in New Bedford.