Opioid Epidemic: Meeting to Discuss Problem in Westford

WESTFORD, MA - The opioid epidemic has taken the Commonwealth by storm, and legislators on both the local and state levels have been taking action to fight back against the disease of addiction.

The Town of Westford will be holding a town meeting on addictions on May 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m in the Blanchard School Auditorium. 

"Please join us for an informative evening and hear from a specialist in the field on what causes addictions, how prevalent the problem is and what you can do to help prevent addictive behaviors. Treatment options will also be discussed. Learn about the ever growing opioid epidemic and what we are experiencing here in Westford," the town wrote in the announcement.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health data which accounts for opioid-related overdose deaths from January 2012 to December 2014, there were two opioid-related overdose deaths in Westford during that time span. Zero deaths were recorded in both 2012 and 2013, but two were recorded in 2014.

From the years 2000 to 2014, Middlesex County saw 1,634 opioid-related deaths, 238 of which were recorded in 2014 alone. The 2014 figure breaks down to an average of 4.4 opioid-related deaths per city and town in the county.

Middlesex County has had the most opioid-related deaths out of any county in the Commonwealth between 2000 and 2014.

Reservations recommended. Call 978-692-5509 by April 28th to register