For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

EB HOPE Produces Episode of “Down Addiction Avenue” on Brockton Athlete

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Police Chief Scott Allen and EB HOPE Director Susan Silva are pleased to announce that EB HOPE (East Bridgewater Help, Outreach, Prevention, Education) has produced its 12th episode of the local East Bridgewater Cable Access TV show, “Down Addiction Avenue.”

Broken into two parts, the show focuses on Stephen Marciano and his old brother, Peter Marciano Jr., who struggled with a substance use disorder for 25 years that ultimately led to his death last year at age 48. Peter Jr. was a well-respected local baseball umpire, former Brockton City Council member and committed to the City of Brockton throughout his life.

The episode features appearances by Chief Allen, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Dr. Daniel Muse from Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital and Stephen, who is a Brockton native.

Stephen and Peter Jr., along with their brother Rocco Marciano and sister Elise Manning grew up in Brockton. Their dad, Peter Marciano Sr., was the brother of Heavyweight Boxing Champion Rocky Marciano. Peter Jr. was an athletic superstar in his own right and graduated from Brockton High School, where he earned a football scholarship to Iowa University in the 1980s.

During this episode of Down Addiction Avenue, Stephen is candid and open about his brother’s battle with a substance use disorder, which Stephen states began during his time at Iowa University while his brother was being prescribed opioid painkillers to help treat football-related injuries.

District Attorney Cruz and Dr. Muse add their expertise in the law enforcement and medical professions and address the all-too-common experience of young adults and athletes falling victim to opioid dependence — which they state is more often than not the result of someone being lawfully prescribed painkillers to treat sports injuries.

Community members can view the episode online.

Part one: https://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01812&video=297953

Park two: https://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01812&video=297954

“We are so pleased that the Marciano family was willing to share their story about their brother’s opioid addiction to help educate others about the dangers of prescription painkillers,” Chief Allen said. “We encourage the community to tune in and watch this two-part series of Down Addiction Avenue.”

Stephen is also partnering with Dr. Muse and District Attorney Cruz to speak at local high schools, where they will share their stories and experiences about the present opioid crisis. Their goal is to prevent another generation from struggling with the disease of addiction.

Down Addiction Avenue is a local access cable television show created by EB HOPE members in collaboration with numerous local community initiatives, including the EB HOPE Drop-In Center.

EB HOPE hosts its Outreach Drop-In Center at the EB Community Covenant Church, 400 Pleasant St., East Bridgewater on the first and third Thursday of every month, from 5-9 p.m.

About EB HOPE:

EB HOPE is a nonprofit volunteer organization that launched in 2011. It is a collaboration of members from the community, including police, school department personnel, town government, drug treatment and recovery members, the clergy and residents suffering from substance abuse and/or their family members.

Substance abuse assistance and resources provided by the program include bi-monthly meetings, information on the availability of mental health services, training on the use of nasal Naloxone (Narcan), referral and access to treatment services, family education and support, and faith-based intervention and support.

For more information, visit www.ebhopes.net or EB HOPE on Facebook and Twitter.

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