Ipswich Public Health Department Launches Campaign to End Stigma Around Opioid Use Disorder

IPSWICH — The Ipswich Public Health Department has launched a campaign to raise awareness of opioid use disorder, connect people with resources, and help end the stigma surrounding the disease.

Opioid use disorder, or OUD, is a medical condition that can be treated. It does not define the people living with it.

The campaign, End Opioid Stigma, will provide residents with information about OUD, available treatment and recovery resources, and ways community members can support people affected by the disease. It also encourages the use of respectful, fact-based language when discussing opioid use and recovery.

Stigma can prevent people with OUD from seeking treatment or asking for help. Negative attitudes and language can also affect their families and others who support them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 69,973 people died from drug overdoses nationwide in 2025. An estimated 44,564 of those deaths involved opioids.

“How we talk can make a difference for people with OUD and their families. With real support, people are more likely to access treatment, recovery, and services,” said Ipswich Public Health Director Colleen Fermon. “This campaign provides residents with resources and information about how we can end the stigma around OUD and truly support our community as a whole.”

Through the campaign, Ipswich Public Health is sharing educational materials, links, resources, recovery information, and more with residents and community members. 

To support people in recovery and their loved ones, join the department in sharing information and resources about opioid use disorder and the End Opioid Stigma campaign here. 

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