The Everett community gathered at Glendale Park for International Overdose Awareness Day to remember those lost to overdose, stand with individuals and families affected by addiction and recognize those working every day toward recovery.
For Mayor Robert J. Van Campen, the observance carries a deeply personal meaning. Last year, he lost his brother to a drug overdose, an experience he shared while addressing residents at the event on Monday, August 31.
“Last year, I lost my own brother to a drug overdose. I can’t say enough how proud I am of him, his fight and everything he did to overcome,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “I look out at a number of faces today and I want you to know that I’m not just the Mayor of Everett, I see each of you and I know your struggle, I understand it. And I 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 use and support people in recovery. Organizations shared information about treatment, recovery and prevention resources, while the Everett Fire and Police Departments highlighted their intervention programs and continued efforts to connect residents with help.
Eric Mazzeo, Assistant Director of Youth Substance Use Prevention, 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.”
Kenny Pina, a person in long-term recovery and Owner and CEO of Patty’s Sanctuary Sober Living, also spoke about the importance of community support and thanked the City, 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. You have community.”
Everett has made significant progress in reducing overdoses and overdose deaths in recent years. The Everett Fire Department reported 130 overdoses in 2018, compared with 34 in 2025. Deadly overdoses have also declined, from 12 in 2021 to four in 2025.
“I think we do a fantastic job as a community,” said Everett Fire Chief Joseph Hickey. “Fortunately, the overdose rate is on the decline. It’s a team effort, and we just keep doing what we’re doing.”
While that progress is encouraging, the City recognizes that every life lost to overdose is one too many. Everett remains committed to working alongside first responders, community organizations, individuals in recovery and their families to prevent substance use, connect residents with resources and ensure that anyone struggling with addiction has a path toward recovery.
The City of Everett thanks everyone who joined together for International Overdose Awareness Day to remember those who have been lost, support those still struggling and recognize the strength of those in recovery.
