Drug overdose deaths, whether intentional, unintentional or intent unknown, are an international crisis setting a record number of deaths every year. Opioids account for two-thirds of these deaths. The United States and Canada are experiencing an epidemic of deaths due to fentanyl. Africa, the Middle East and Asia are seeing deaths due to the synthetic opioid tramadol. World overdose deaths, difficult to track for many reasons, are estimated at about 600,000 in 2019. In the United States, 105,303 died due to a drug overdose in 2023.
Westfield had seven fatal and 16 non-fatal overdoses in 2023. In the first half of 2024, there were two fatal and 20 non-fatal. Human nature tends to make many feel some things could never happen to them or theirs until it hits close to home. Despite one’s lifestyle, career, education, sobriety, bubble of privilege, we are only one or two people removed from risky behavior.
Families, friends and loved ones are remembering those they have lost to deadly overdoses this week with the support of communities and others who understand and share their grief. Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. It is recognized yearly on this day.
Communities acknowledge throughout the week with tributes, education and gatherings. It is the largest annual campaign “to end overdoses, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.”
This year’s theme is “Together We Can,” representing the idea of the power of our community when we all stand together.
International Overdose Awareness Day principles include:
- Overdoses can and must be prevented.
- Overdose prevention solutions exist — let’s use them.
- Criminalizing drug use doesn’t work. Compassionate alternatives must be pursued.
- Policy and legislation must exist to protect individuals and communities and ensure basic human rights and needs are met.
- Everyone has a right to respectful and comprehensive health care.
- Only a community-wide effort can end overdose deaths.
Evidence-based strategies to decrease drug overdose deaths include having the knowledge to respond to an overdose as a medical emergency, Narcan programs, supervised injecting sites, medication assisted treatment, needle and syringe exchange programs and drug testing for lethal substances added to drugs.
Westfield honored International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday of this week on Park Square. The Health Department, led by Kimberly Slade, substance abuse outreach coordinator, hosted the vigil in conjunction with other local organizations. Tributes, music, open mic, information and resources filled the evening. Other neighboring communities had similar programs.
Local communities with events this evening include Belchertown, Great Barrington, Pittsfield and Chicopee. Chicopee is also reaching out to all in Western Massachusetts with “Western MA Lights it Purple LIVE.” They are asking all communities to light their homes, businesses, programs and community spaces with purple lights as a symbol of support and solidarity at 8 p.m. tonight, along with a moment of silence. The color purple represents courage and bravery. Qualities necessary to fight this battle. For more information, go to sadod.org.
Sending condolences, positive energy and hope to everyone affected in any way by this epidemic. “Together We Can.”
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a Westfield resident and a nurse practitioner with 38 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Westfield Board of Health.
