Pittsfield Remembers Lives Lost to Overdose, Underscores Harm Reduction
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of people gathered downtown on Monday to remember those lost to overdose and work toward a future of zero deaths from substance use disorder.
The Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative and its partners held a proclamation reading and flag-raising at City Hall, followed by a standout in Park Square with signs promoting the use of naloxone, harm reduction, and reducing associated stigma.
There were 23 fatal overdoses in Berkshire County in 2025, 11 in Pittsfield. This is down 44 percent from the 41 countywide fatalities in 2024.
While it is a significant decrease, advocates want to see that number at zero.
"On the one hand, we're very pleased to see this significant of a decrease. This is actually the lowest number that we've had since [Department of Public Health] started collecting these numbers in 2013, but the goal is still zero," said Andy Ottoson, public health planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
August is International Overdose Awareness Month, the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those lost without stigma, and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. September is National Recovery Month, a national observance to educate the public on the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services.
Samantha Kendall of Berkshire Harm Reduction explained that it is truly meeting people where they are, as they are, and when they are, "and I think we all do a really great job at that."
"We also want to remember that we're building a community for everybody, and systems and policies for everybody. That's really important in harm reduction work, so that's also the reason we're here today," she said.
"… It doesn't end here. We have so much more work to continue to do."
While the numbers have dropped, Berkshire County is still above the state average of 13.8 fatal overdoses per 100,000 people. Pittsfield’s rate is 26 per 100,000 residents.
This year, the BOAPC is also working to support the friends, family members, and other people close to a person suffering from substance use disorder, working with Second Street Second Chances and other recovery centers. Event organizers and attendees wore Open the Door Campaign T-shirts and distributed pamphlets with information on how to start these conversations.
Mayor Peter Marchetti recognized that professionals in the substance use disorder and recovery fields are very passionate about their work.
"And I think that that's really what kind of makes this event special is that everybody here is here for their own sense of purpose and their own, whatever touched you to be here," he added.
His proclamation encouraged all community members to join together to raise awareness, lift each other up, support people with substance use disorder and their loved ones, and promote harm reduction to save lives.
The BOAPC is holding events throughout the county this month in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month:
International Overdose Awareness Day Events (Aug. 31)
- Pittsfield: 11:45 a.m. at City Hall for an Overdose Awareness Day proclamation from Mayor Marchetti and flag raising, followed by a community stand-out from noon to 1 p.m. at Park Square
- North Adams (5 p.m.): Gathering at Have Hope Peer Recovery Center (37 Main St., 2nd floor), followed by a Recovery Walk to UNO Park and a remembrance vigil
- Pittsfield (6:30 p.m.): Interfaith memorial and processional hosted by Living in Recovery at The Common (100 First Street), leading to Park Square
- Great Barrington (6:30 p.m.): Processional hosted by Rural Recovery Resources from the South County Recovery Center (67 State Road) to the Great Barrington hedges in Castronova Park, followed by a candlelight vigil
National Recovery Month Events
- Sept. 12: "Smash the Stigma" in Great Barrington (Town Hall Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) featuring a resource fair, activities, and a walk through downtown
- Sept. 12: "Revel in Recovery" in Pittsfield (McKay and Depot Streets, 1 to 6 p.m.), a family-friendly celebration of healing and hope
- Sept. 13: Fitness in Recovery 5K Run (Berkshire Running Center, Pittsfield) at 9 a.m.
- Last Week of September: "Voices in Recovery" (North Adams) celebrating recovery through personal stories
Tags: addiction recovery, Opioid abuse, overdose,
