Inside Dracut Feature

Describing drug addiction as a “health crisis that affects people from all kinds of backgrounds and that does not discriminate against race, gender or socioeconomic factors,” Dracut Health Agent David Ouellette opened the town’s recent Substance Use Vigil with a vow to continue the battle against addiction.

The sixth annual vigil was held on October 13 at Harvey J. Gagnon Harmony Hall and featured addresses by state Rep. Colleen Garry and Board of Selectmen Chair Alison Genest, as well as stories of success and recovery from representatives of several local recovery facilities.

“As many of you are aware,” Ouellette said, “the nation and the region have been hit hard by the opioid and heroin crisis. Our community is no exception. … Tonight we stand together to cherish the memories of our loved ones that have been lost to this epidemic and also to promise to use all the resources possible to help those battling addiction in their lives.”

Speakers included representatives from Dracut-based Megan’s House, as well as Erin’s House, Lowell House and The Bridge Club, a recovery center founded by former Dracut Selectman Bob Cox. At the end of the program, Deacon Eric Peabody of St. Francis Parish in Dracut read a prayer, and Town Nurse Kara Curley read a list of names of those in the community who lost their battle to addiction.

Sponsors of the vigil include PrideStar/Trinity Ambulance, Dracut Lions Club, Circle Health, Lowell House, The Bridge Club, Megan’s House, Into Action and Dracut Old Home Day. The Dracut Community Chorus provided music.

(Dan Phelps is the Economic Development Project Planner for the Town of Dracut)