Sponsored by Somerville Health, Police and Fire Departments, and Teen Empowerment, Workshop will include NARCAN training, educational resources, support services. Workshop is open to public.

The City of Somerville Health Department and the Somerville Office of Prevention, in cooperation with Teen Empowerment and Save Our Somerville, invite all interested community members to a free workshop and discussion 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 workshop scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cross Street Center, 165 Broadway, is free and open to the public and will address questions such as:

• How does an overdose happen?
• What is alcohol poisoning?
• What happens when you call 911?
• What are Opioids?
• What are important steps toward prevention?
• What is NARCAN and why should I be trained as a NARCAN responder?

“On March 27, Gov. Patrick declared a public health emergency due to the growing epidemic of opioid addiction and increasing rates of fatal overdose. In Somerville we have already lost several residents to drug overdose in 2014,” said Patty Contente, Clinical Youth Specialist for the City of Somerville. “Please join us for the first in a series of community discussions to learn how you might help someone struggling with addiction; overdose prevention, Narcan and how to work towards broader long term solutions to reduce risks of prescription drug misuse.”

“The rates of addiction, overdose, and prescription drug misuse continue at an alarming pace statewide, and though Somerville has been and remains committed to providing necessary support and services to our constituents, it’s clear especially with the recent State of Emergency declaration by Gov. Patrick that we need to work harder with and for our residents,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “NARCAN training is quickly becoming the standard for first responders, and we want to extend that to our community members, but it is not the only way to combat this disease. Our team of trained first responders, caregivers, counselors and educators are highly trained and knowledgeable in these issues, and I strongly encourage all community members to attend this important workshop as we work together to address this high priority issue in Somerville and across the state.”

The workshop will also include a moment of silence, NARCAN training information, 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.

Light refreshments will be provided.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Patty Contente at 617-625-6600 ext. 4325, or email PContente@somervillema.gov.