— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Somerville Health Department and the Somerville Office of Prevention, in cooperation with Teen Empowerment and Save Our Somerville, held a free workshop and discussion April 8 at the Cross Street Center in East Somerville on substance abuse, prescription drug misuse and education, as well as strategies for support systems and treatment, recovery and coping mechanisms for victims and families.

The event looked at such issues as how overdoses happen, what alcohol poisoning is, what exactly happens when you call 911 and what the term “opioids” applies to, as well as other topics addressing prevention efforts and the use of Narcan by first responders in overdose situations.

The workshop included personal stories from individuals in recovery and participation by representatives of the Somerville police and fire departments, Cataldo Ambulance, the AIDS Action Committee, the Cambridge Health Alliance and Baycove/CASPAR.

Gov. Deval Patrick declared a public health emergency March 27 due to the growing epidemic of opioid addiction and increasing rates of fatal overdose.

The Office of Prevention is promoting the National Take Back Day April 26, during which residents can dispose of any unused and/or expired prescription medications.

For more information, or to participate in any upcoming programs, contact: Patty Contente at 617-625-6600, ext. 4325 (pcontente@somervillema.gov); or Cory Mashburn at 617-625-6600, ext. 2570 (cmashburn@somervillema.gov). Announcements and other information can also be found on Facebook (search “SomervilleCares”).

— By Tom Bannister Jr.