GREAT BARRINGTON From its scenic vistas to its myriad eateries located in an especially walkable downtown, Great Barrington has often been described by tourists and longtime residents alike as idyllic.

But could the 2012 Smithsonian-ranked best small town in America be among the many communities throughout the Commonwealth and beyond struggling to defend against an opioid epidemic? Gary Pratt says yes.

People think that there cant be a heroin problem here, he said. But I know there is My addiction started in Great Barrington.

With a large tourist-based economy, Pratt said that acknowledging that the community has an issue might not present well, but is something that needs to be addressed. And on Saturday, October 5,hell be shining a light on the matter with a community-based, family-friendly walk and resource fair that will be held in Great Barringtons downtown.

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addiction, fair, Great Barrington, Recovery.

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Oct. 5 event aims to de-stigmatize addiction and promote recovery - Berkshire Record