A Bridgeport mom who says she survived a fentanyl overdose spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday about her near-death experience, describing how it inspired her to help other people who are battling addiction.

"I injected fentanyl using needles I bought on Amazon," says Michelle Marano, of Bridgeport, who now works for Liberation Programs, a local nonprofit whose mission is to help people battle and manage addiction safely.

"In 2020, I inadvertently overdosed and almost died -- and that was the wakeup call I needed to turn my life around," the mother of two children said.

The nonprofit's executive director, John Hamilton, says Liberation Programs is now working with local police departments to provide follow-up counseling and care to people who have overdosed.

The initiative comes on the heels of National Deflection Week, which Hamilton says was created to help people "deflect" from crime and addiction.

"We are literally saving lives on a regular basis -- and it feels wonderful," says Hamilton.

Anyone who would like free confidential help from Liberation Programs is asked to call 800-980-0990.