FITCHBURG — Hundreds of people gathered Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Fitchburg Overdose Awareness Vigil, remembering family members and friends lost to overdose and giving hope to the struggling.
Mayor Stephen DiNatale welcomed the crowd, reminding them that we were gathering to remember our loved ones and celebrate their lives.
He introduced the City of Fitchburg’s Public Health Director Stephen Curry, who recognized Sue Christensen, the city’s Public Health Outreach & Prevention Coordinator, for starting the first Fitchburg Overdose Vigil several years ago and helping it grow to an annual event.
He also introduced Kim French from Outreach & Prevention who facilitated the planning committee.
“Director Curry recognized the many organizations present and urged those in attendance to visit the resource tables,” Christensen said. “Pastor Thomas Hughes offered opening and closing prayers which were meaningful and added to the spirit of community and healing.”
Four speakers shared personal stories about their loved ones lost to overdose: Kim French, Sandy Nawotny, Kim Perkins, and Jules Scott.
“The speakers put a face to the statistics — those lost were sons, fathers, boyfriends, brothers, students — all members of our community,” Curry said.
As each speaker shared their thoughts, an enlarged photo of their loved one was displayed.
The theme of “One More Day” resonated throughout the evening as the speakers spoke of loving someone suffering with addiction and healing after loss, while encouraging anyone struggling to reach out for help.
“At the conclusion of the program, candles were lit and a moment of silence held,” Christensen said. “The gazebo, lit up in purple for overdose awareness, also displayed luminary bags decorated in remembrance and photos contributed by local residents to honor their loved ones.”
Many local community agencies offered resource information, including: Alyssa’s Place: Peer Recovery and Resource Center; Community Health Connections; Joseph D. Early Jr., Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; Fitchburg Police Department; Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center; GAAMHA, Inc.; LUK, Inc.; Making Opportunity CountMRC – Montachusett Recovery Center; Our Father’s House Emergency and Transitional Shelters; Recovery Centers of America at Westminster; Restoration Recovery Center Inc.; Worcester County Sheriff’s Office; City of Fitchburg Health Department Outreach & Prevention and MassCALL3.
“Naloxone training and distribution occurred throughout the evening with Keith Barnaby, a recovery coach and outreach worker for Fitchburg Street Outreach,” Curry said.
Other participants who contributed to the success of the evening included the Rotary Club of Fitchburg who manned the Salvation Army canteen, offering free grilled hotdogs and refreshments. Music was played by Brandon from Restoration Recovery Center Inc. and Dr. Babatunde Thomas from Community Health Connections. InTown Fitchburg provided the PA system.
DiNatale commented on the event, stating, “many thanks to our speakers who shared personal stories about their loved ones lost to overdose. The city is also grateful for the wonderful organizations who work collaboratively to help those in need. We appreciate everyone who joined us for this moving evening of remembrance.”
