Vigil Highlights Overdose Awareness

The community gathered to recognize the 2,290 overdose deaths in Massachusetts last year during the first annual International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil.

According to the State’s Department of Public Health, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts rose to 2,290 last year — an almost 9% increase from 2020. The state data also shows fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was detected in 93% of the deaths where a toxicology screen was available, a rise from 40 percent in 2014. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is commonly distributed through illegal drug markets and many people may not even know their drugs are laced with fentanyl. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Needham hosted its first observation of International Overdose Awareness Day, spearheaded by the Becca Schmill Foundation. People gathered to remember the lives lost to overdoses, and share stories, facts and resources that can save a life.

This story ran as part of the Needham Channel News, a weekly newscast airing on The Needham Channel every Thursday at 7:30pm. The Needham Channel News can be found on the Community Channel: Comcast 9, Astound 15 and Verizon 29. Most Thursdays it also can be viewed on our HD Channel on Verizon 2129, Astound 613 and streaming on this site.