Something in Common -- Overdose Awareness Day in Franklin

Above, Jim Derrick, co-founder of SAFE Coalition, speaks passionately about the loss of his son, grief, and the work still to be done to help more people trapped in addictions. Jennifer Knight-Levine, at right, is SAFE CEO and co-founder.

As the sun set, they gathered under the auspices of SAFE Coalition, families of people lost to addiction or working to recover, and many supporters. Also present were many members of the Franklin Town Council and leadership and members of the Franklin Police and Fire departments.

In addition to Knight-Levine and Derrick, Rev. Jacob Juncker of the Franklin United Methodist Church offered prayer and Rabbi Alpert of the Temple Etz-Chaim also offered thoughts.

A mother from Milford whose son died of an overdose in 2014, spoke, noting that around 600 Massachusetts residents also had fatal overdose experiences that year. And despite all the efforts made to reverse the trend since, in 2022, the number exceeded 2200.

Finally, a recovered heroin addict who is now a counselor for others spoke about her experiences and the ongoing efforts to continue on the recovery path.