Over thirteen hundred people died last year in Massachusetts from opiod overdoses, and last week, the New Bedford City Council declared the opiod crisis a public health emergency. A newly formed group called “Turn The Tide-New Bedford” is trying to address the problem by bringing together social service agencies, law enforcement, and medical providers. Over the weekend, the group held a walk and health fair at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.
Organizers Seek To Turn The Tide On New Bedford's Opiate Crisis
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Walkers at the "Turn the Tide" event at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.
Brian Morris/WCAI
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Joan Peters-Gilmartin, who lost her son to an overdose, addresses the crowd.
Brian Morris/WCAI
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Most of New Bedford's addiction treatment agencies were represented at the event.
Brian Morris/WCAI
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One of the many banners on display
Brian Morris/WCAI
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Several homemade banners about addiction were hung in Buttonwood Park
Brian Morris/WCAI