Behavioral Health Network held an agency-wide Ceremony of Remembrance in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 30th at both its Greenfield and Springfield campuses. The observance included remarks from BHN staff, individuals served and Senator John Velis, a poetry reading, and a period of silent reflection. Purple flags were displayed at each of BHN's recovery programs to demonstrate support and honor those who have passed away due to drug overdose. 

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on August 31. It aims to increase understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and bring about change to minimize the harm associated with drug use. 

Steve Winn, President and CEO of BHN, stated, "By coming together to honor and remember those who have been lost or injured due to overdose, we join in solidarity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and offer hope to those in recovery." He expressed his gratitude to the BHN staff, stating, "We could not do what we do without you - you are BHN, you bring the passion and commitment every day."

Every 11 minutes someone in America dies from an opioid overdose.

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased by 3% in 2023, with an estimated 107,543 deaths compared to 111,029 in 2022. This is the first decrease since 2018. Two-thirds of these deaths involved synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl. 

In 2023, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 10% from the previous year, marking the largest single-year decline since 2009-2010– according to data released by the MA Department of Public Health. There were 2,125 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, which is 232 fewer than the record 2,357 fatal opioid-related overdoses in 2022. 

In the four Western Massachusetts counties, there were 336 opioid-related deaths in 2023, with 231 in Hampden County, 48 in Berkshire County, 28 in Franklin County, and 29 in Hampshire County. 

Recovery is real and possible. 7 in 10 of adults who have had a mental health or substance use condition are in recovery.

According to Dr. Ruth Potee, Medical Director for Substance Use Disorders at BHN, "The most important step to reduce overdoses is to make treatment with methadone and buprenorphine highly available in all communities. The work that BHN has done to reduce barriers, such as introducing our mobile methadone program and improving the transition from jail to ongoing treatment, has helped shift the overdose rates in our region.

BHN provided addiction recovery services to 5,920 individuals 2023. Currently 2,300 individuals are participating in recovery programs, including 341 in residential treatment and 1,959 through BHN's Opioid Treatment Programs located in Holyoke, Greenfield, Orange, and Springfield, as well as the Mobile Methadone Program in Ware.  

BHN's addiction and recovery programs include mental health and trauma-informed services to create a safe, positive, and empowering environment for individuals seeking recovery and healing. The organization provides a range of inpatient treatment options for those requiring medical and psychological stabilization during the early stages of recovery from addiction to opioids, non-opioid substances, or alcohol. 

As individuals progress into long-term recovery, BHN offers support through outpatient programs that encompass therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching services. Residential recovery homes help those transitioning back into the community.

BHN offers a path to recovery. Call 413-301-WELL to get started or learn more about BHN’s continuum of addiction and recovery programs.