Tewksbury Marks National Recovery Month

Tewksbury PD: September is National Recovery Month and October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month across the country. Substance abuse continues to grow, spreading misery and driving up the crime rate. Since January of 2019, Tewksbury Police Department has responded to more than forty overdoses with two related fatalities compared to ninety-one with seven related fatalities for the entirety of 2018. As we dig deeper into the science of addiction, we have learned that mental health has a large impact on substance abuse. As a community, Tewksbury strives to find solutions for people and families affected by these devastating diseases.

The purple lights adorning the gazebo in the Town Common are meant to bring to light (no pun intended) the community’s support and unity for people in recovery as well as people struggling with substance use/mental health disorder and the Tewksbury Police Department is hoping this will raise awareness. Start a conversation with someone you love today and help bring awareness to recovery and substance abuse. More information about Tewksbury’s Substance Use Prevention and Education Month activities (October 2019) is forthcoming and questions may be referred to Maria Ruggiero, Program Director for the Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (mruggiero@tewksbury-ma.gov 978- 851-7373 Ext. 352). The Tewksbury Police Department urges any citizens who suspect criminal activity to call the Dispatch Center @ 978-851-7373. If you wish to remain anonymous please call the Tip Line @ 978-851-0175 or send an email to tewks_detectives@tewksbury-ma.gov.