PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Better awareness and stronger communication were two main points repeated at the Berkshire County district attorney’s first opioid awareness summit.

“I just noticed that there were so many different agencies that just weren’t talking to each other or collaborating with each other, or they just weren’t available to of course so that they know how do we get our clients to them so I saw there was a need to sort of connect these parties,” said Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue.

The state’s Department of Public Health reports 48 deaths from an opioid-related overdose last year in Berkshire County.

The number is slightly higher than the 47 people who died in 2022. 

“Stimulant use disorder is really an emerging thing here in Berkshire County, and we need to really look at that and figure out what we are going to do to meet that need,” said Jessica Kemp, Brien Center nurse manager. 

Berkshire County has services for people with substance use disorder, but reaching individuals in need can be a challenge. 

“There are so many different programs to treat opioid use disorder. We have a hospital, we have outpatient programs, we have outreach workers, we have harm reduction. We just have to break through that wall of active addiction and let people know we can help you we want to help you.”

Brien Center Medical Director Jennifer Michaels says when getting the word out about these programs, it would help to hear the information from a peer with shared experience.  

“I would love for more people who have lived through substance use and are now in recovery and can spread the word to be part of disseminating the information,” said Michaels. “I can talk about it, I’ve seen wonderful things happen, but a person who actually has been through the process and has gained I think that is even more powerful.” 

This group is also working to break down the perceptions people associate with opioid use and to get users the help they deserve and need.

“There is help, there is ways to get out of that situation and we’re smashing the stigma on those addiction issues," Shugrue said. “So what we are trying to do is let people know that there is help and there is hope, there’s a lot of hope. We can make sure that people can get sober, get off drugs.”

The Berkshire Overdose Addiction Prevention Collaborative is also using its website to help people in need find resources and ways to work toward recovery.