One of the best parts of doing outreach in the community is when we're able to collaborate and learn from other groups, organizations, and people that are working towards many of the same goals that we are. We had such an opportunity at the recent meeting of the Eastern Middlesex County Opioid Task Force, an initiative spearheaded by District Attorney Marian Ryan. At this meeting, experts were brought in to discuss the correlation between opioid deaths and suicide. Unfortunately, Middlesex County has seen a sharp increase in drug-related suicides and they are looking for resources and ideas on how to combat this tragedy.

 

At the meeting a representative from Riverside Trauma Center spoke, followed by a professor from Harvard, followed by Samaritans. We had an opportunity to present on Samaritans' services and how we can be a resource, how to help someone who may be suicidal, and building up resiliency and coping skills. It was an honor to be able to present alongside such incredible and knowledgeable people, and it was so well received that we have been asked to come back to present at another upcoming meeting of the Task Force.