30-05-2025
Local leaders and addiction recovery organization advocates for change
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Addiction recovery providers around Hampden County came together Thursday evening to share resources and advocate for change. The Western Mass Policy Forum held at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield filled an auditorium as advocates shared the value of recovery and what it often looks like. 'If you ask anybody who's an addict, they didn't want to be an addict, you know, they became addicted. They became addicted to a drug or to alcohol. Nobody wants to live in that cycle,' shares Noel Sierra, Executive Director, Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery. Overdose prevention centers treat those in need and keep addicts alive across the country. However, in Massachusetts, there are currently no such facilities, and legislation is needed to put them in place. Since 2010, Massachusetts has seen 23,000 people die alone due to overdose. If you ever find yourself in a situation where a person has overdosed, there are five steps you can take to help them. First, you'll want to check their breathing and verify if they are experiencing any type of discoloration, such as blue or gray. Next, you'll want to call 911 immediately. During that time, you can also give the individual Narcan using a push pump in their nose. It's important you stay with the person overdosing until help gets there to assist. Policy makers were also in attendance at the forum, advocating for change. Others, like a local director and producer, are using her recent documentary to contribute to the movement. 'Recovery is possible, and also the stigma of recovery is real, and people recover when they are supported and not judged,' says Lisa Olivieri. If you're interested in viewing her documentary 'Recovery City', visit here for local screening dates and times.
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