Office of Prevention, Trauma Response Network to host workshop surrounding national increases in prescription drug overdose

The City’s Health Department, Office of Prevention, and Trauma Response Network is collaborating with local organizations Save Our Somerville and Teen Empowerment to host a workshop entitled “How to Save a Life?” in response to the growing concerns nationally around the increase use of prescription drugs and overdose.  The workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 28^th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cross Street Senior Center (165 Broadway).

According to the Center for Disease Control, unintentional drug overdose is a growing epidemic in the U.S., and is now the second leading cause of unintentional deaths.  Between 2002 – 2009 the number of Americans aged 12 and older abusing pain relievers increased by 20% according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. According to Center for Disease control Director Dr. Thomas Frieden, unintentional drug overdose is a growing epidemic in the U.S. and is now the leading cause of injury death in 17 states.

Between 2000-2005, the City of Somerville experienced a number of youth overdoses and suicides, losing 21 young people during that time.  Widespread drug abuse was found to be a significant factor in the spike in suicides during this time.  More recently, we have lost 3 young adults to overdose.  In an effort to raise awareness and prevent further tragedy the City’s Trauma Response Network, a program of the Health Department’s Office of Prevention, reached out to Save Our Somerville and Teen Empowerment to engage the community in a discussion on this important topic, and provide information and strategies that could possibly save a life.

The workshop on June 28^th will provide an introduction to the growing problem of prescription drug use; specifically opioids and binge drinking.  Participants will learn the warning signs and symptoms and how to intervene if you are concerned that someone maybe overdosing.  The last hour of the workshop will be dedicated to becoming trained in Narcan Response.  Cambridge Cares About Aids, one of 7 pilot programs in Massachusetts dedicated to training community members in Narcan response, will provide the training.  Participants will have the opportunity to be trained in how to administer Narcan and will be provided with Narcan at the end of the training.

“Substance abuse and addiction are very real and difficult problems, not only for those struggling with addiction but for family and friends who may see a loved one slipping away due to this disease,” said Patty Contente, the City’s Clinical Youth Specialist.  “It’s important to understand the facts and continually seek supports not only for the user but also for the caregivers.  The program will include facts on the growing epidemic of prescription drug use and strategies to support your loved one as well as yourself through this process.  We want to reinforce that although the road can be challenging there is always the possibility of recovery.”

For more information or to register please contact Patty Contente, Clinical Youth Specialist, Somerville Health Department, Office of Prevention at 617-625-6600 ext. 4325 or pcontente@somervillema.gov