WORCESTER, MA — The city will bring residents and community organizations together this month to raise awareness about overdose prevention and response.
The Worcester Division of Public Health and community partners will host an Overdose Awareness Day event from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at City Hall Plaza, 455 Main St. Community groups, youth and young adult organizations, senior organizations and local leaders are invited to attend.
The event will address overdose risks involving prescription medications and illicit drugs, including the dangers of taking medication incorrectly, mixing substances and unknowingly consuming fentanyl.
"Overdose awareness is not only about what people learn at one event," Health Promotion and Community Strategist Irene Nyanub said. "We want people to experience the day together, talk about what they saw and heard, and carry those conversations back into their families, organizations, and communities."
Public health officials are encouraging organizations to attend with their members and use the event to begin discussions about substance use, prescription medication safety, fentanyl, prevention and stigma.
Participating organizations may also arrange follow-up discussions with their members after the event by contacting the Worcester Division of Public Health. The division can connect groups with prevention experts and people with lived experience to help lead the conversations.
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