THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 11, 2026 Page 13 INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY | FROM PAGE 12 think you are all heroes in my mind helping yourselves and helping others overcome each and every day.” The annual observance brought together residents, first responders and community organizations working to prevent substance abuse and support people in recovery. Organizations shared information about treatment, recovery and prevention resources; the Everett Fire and Police Departments highlighted their intervention programs and continued efforts to connect residents with help. Evertt’s Assistant Director of Police Chief Paul Strong is shown with one of his patrolmen and community members. Youth Substance Use Prevention, Eric Mazzeo, shared his own experience as a person in recovery and how it informs his work with young people in Everett. “My job specifically is I work with the youth and I do substance prevention. And as the mayor said, I don’t even look at this as a job. This is my life. I’m a person in recovery first, and I care about people,” said Mazzeo. “That’s how I got into this is, by being heavily involved in a 12-step program and doing the work and helping others, and then being able to come back to the city that I grew up in, the city that I love dearly, and be able to help the youth.” Patty’s Sanctuary Sober Living Owner/CEO Kenny Pina, who is a person in long-term recovery, also spoke about the importance of community support and thanked the City of Everett, Everett Fire Department and Everett Police Department for their work helping people affected by addiction. “To be here as someone that is giving back to the community and not taking from the community means something to me today. I love the City of Everett,” said Pina. “Everett right now is at the forefront for prevention on opioids and addiction. I have the police, the fire department, the mayor, and the community standing with me because I don’t stand here alone. And when you’re from Everett, you’re not alone. Mayor Robert Van Campen smiling with Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center workers. INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY | SEE PAGE 14
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