SHARE:  
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  

November 1, 2024: Issue 21

Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in

Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.

UPCOMING EVENTS

See what's happening at OTF this month.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Explore OTF's COVID-19 Resource Guide.

MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE

Hope is here. Get help.

413Cares
Resources for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Click here.

NQCC'S RESOURCES

Resources and upcoming events in the North Quabbin Region.

Click here.

CONNECTIONS #84

Find local resources in this issue.

Emergency Services Resources for Unhoused Individuals

The PACES CONNECTION

Click here for resources.

Grayken Center for Addiction

Training & Technical Assistance

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

GCC Community Engagement and Workshop Events

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

Rural SUD Info Center

Click here for resources.

You can be whoever you want to be. Just be honest and kind. And be the kind of person who helps others see their worth and beauty.

~Lori Deschene

Spotlight on The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Welding Program



Beginning in August 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began a partnership with the

Franklin County Tech School to bring welding training to incarcerated men seeking to improve their vocational opportunities. The program includes 60 hours of instruction and hands-on

practice with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding.


The “hands on” instruction takes place in a mobile training simulator unit that moves back and forth between the High School and the jail offering instruction to students and the incarcerated population. The trailer provides an “enhanced

reality” experience of welding through a screen-equipped welding mask and a digital “torch.”


“The technology is unbelievable,” one participant says. “It’s as close to welding as you can get. The machine scores your work, so it keeps you engaged because you want to keep trying to do better.”


The unit contains 6 bays, making it possible for a cohort to learn and practice their new skills together, encouraged by their instructor John Passiglia.


In keeping with the adage “Challenges can be the greatest teachers,” the Covid pandemic instructed carceral houses across the country in the educational and training possibilities offered

through new technologies, and from remote college courses to online vocational programs, Franklin County Sheriff Chris Donelan has been innovative in exploring how to bring new

opportunities to his facility.


FCTS Superintendent Rick Martin won a large Skills Capital state grant in 2023 to purchase the trailer and a collateral pick-up truck, the purpose of which is to go to populations in the community that are unable to attend the Tech School for whatever reason. In August, the unit

was towed through the FCSO gates, where it remains for the duration of the 7-week welding curriculum.


Welders across the state earn family-sustaining wages and are always in demand in the job market, the American Association of Welders estimating that upward of 330,000 jobs in this field

will be added by 2028.


Another student in the program is looking forward to a new career. “I have cousins in the ironworkers’ union in Boston, and they can’t get enough guys to fill jobs. I can’t wait to learn more when I get out.”

Sincerely,

Christopher Donelan

Sheriff, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and

Co-Chair, Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region

OTF Members in the News

"Youth Drug, Alcohol Use Drops "

Greenfield Recorder (10/21/24)


 Results from a 2024 survey show that middle and high school students in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region are smoking, vaping, and using drugs and alcohol significantly less in 2024 than they have for the last 10 years.


Since 2003, the Communities That Care Coalition has surveyed more than 40,000 students from all nine public school districts in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region to evaluate youth habits and overall emotional and physical health.


Within a 30-day window preceding the 2014 survey, roughly 11% of students smoked cigarettes, 9% used prescription drugs without a prescription, 15% reported binge drinking, 24% reported using marijuana and 35% reported drinking. This year, the number of students in grades eight, 10 and 12 who reported using marijuana or drinking

30 days prior to taking the survey dropped to roughly 16% for both vices, while binge drinking rates dwindled to 7%, prescription drug use dropped to 3% and rates of cigarette smoking dropped to 4%.


Although the survey only began asking young people about vaping in 2016, when 18% of students surveyed reported having used electronic cigarettes within 30 days of the survey, vaping rates, now at 15%, have dropped slightly since 2016 and significantly from a peak in 2019 when roughly 32% of students reported vaping.


While the use of popular recreational substances such as cannabis, alcohol and tobacco has subsided in recent years, Communities That Care Coalition Coordinator Kat Allen said the region’s teens see the substances as being less “risky” than they did in years past, with perception of the risks associated with cannabis use having shifted the most drastically.


“We have big money involved in the cannabis business too now,” Allen said. “Regardless of the politics of legalization and some of the benefits that came from decriminalization and medicinal use, suddenly we have advertising, and the conversation changed quite a bit around cannabis.”


Allen also noted that since marijuana was made legal for adult recreational use in 2016, use rates among teens have dropped, but perception of the drug’s harm among teens has decreased significantly since marijuana hit the legal market. “ A lot of young people see cannabis as sort of like the cure-all drug. We just need to keep remembering to send the message to our young people that it’s different when your brain is developing than when you’re an adult,” Allen said. “It’s a different thing for an adult to casually or recreationally use marijuana periodically than for a teenager to use cannabis.”


Despite the rate of teens smoking cigarettes decreasing from 19% to 4% between 2003 and 2024, students’ perception of the risks associated with smoking dropped from 92% to 77% of teens believing the practice was greatly or moderately harmful within the same time period.


“Sixteen percent of Franklin County and North Quabbin students reported use of cannabis in the past 30 days. ... If we break that down and we look at it by kids whose parents think it’s OK and kids whose friends think it’s OK to use cannabis, 48% of those whose parents and friends think it’s OK to use use,” Allen explained. “If kids think that their parents and their friends both think it’s wrong, 2% of those kids use, so the messages that parents give around these substances is really important.”


(CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC/COMMUNITIES THAT CARE COALITION)

"Every Overdose Death is Preventable "

Greenfield Recorder (10/26/24)


The addiction prevention and treatment implementation study billed as the largest ever conducted found a decrease in perceived stigma toward people treated for opioid use disorder but no difference in stigma toward naloxone.


Launched in 2019, the HEALing Communities Study took place in 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio — four states hard hit by the opioid crisis — and its findings will help establish best practices for integrating prevention and treatment strategies that can be adapted by communities nationwide.


The Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region hosted a Zoom session this week and invited Dr. Alexander Walley, a Boston University School of Medicine associate professor, to review the findings and explain what was learned from Greenfield, Montague, Orange and Athol.


“We can never do enough, when so many people are dying,” he said.


Walley mentioned Communities That HEAL (CTH) intervention holds the potential to decrease stigma surrounding opioid use disorder. CTH intervention was created by a team of opioid-overdose reduction experts from academic and medical institutions in the four states where the Healing Communities Study took place. Walley reported

that 1,655 naloxone kits were distributed in the four local municipalities involved. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.


Statistics show opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased in 2023 following an all-time high in 2022.


“These improvements are good to see but, also, we are not where we want to be,” Walley said. “Every overdose death is preventable.”

The doctor recommended harm reduction services, including increased naloxone availability through organizations such as Tapestry Health and maintaining naloxone cabinets in areas of high need.


Other strategies include peer distribution, pharmacy distribution and distribution by responding EMTs.


Walley encouraged the Zoom session’s attendees to contact their Congressional representatives to tell them to support the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access (MOTAA) Act, which would expand access to methadone for a person’s unsupervised use to treat opioid use disorder.


Methadone, a daily medical liquid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid use disorder, typically must be dispensed to individuals in person through opioid treatment programs. This can be highly prohibitive to people struggling with addiction who live in more rural areas. The bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey. Walley said Canada, Australia and other countries are far less restrictive of methadone and have seen great results.


He also mentioned an increasing, but unknown, number of people who do not have opioid use disorder are overdosing due to fentanyl contamination of cocaine, methamphetamine and counterfeit prescription pills. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent.


Walley said there needs to be outreach to users of non-opioid drugs to warn them of this increasing danger.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS

Virtual: Treatment & Recovery Committee

November 1, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup

November 6, 2024

11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee

November 8, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:30 Noon

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee

November 12, 2024

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force

November 18, 2024

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Zoom details here.


Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup

November 18, 2024

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Franklin County Reentry Center

106 Main Street, Greenfield

Zoom details here.


Virtual: A Matter of Life and Death: A Ten-Year Look at Opioid-Related Fatalities and Trends with NWDA David E. Sullivan

November 21, 2024

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Register here.


Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee

December 2, 2024

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Franklin County Reentry Center

106 Main Street, Greenfield

Zoom details here.


Virtual: CAM Workgroup

December 10, 2024

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Methadone Workgroup

December 12, 2024

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Zoom details here.

.

Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee

December 13, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Zoom details here.


Virtual: Building a Resilient Community Workgroup

December 18, 2024

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Zoom details here.



Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!

FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Attention Older Adults and Caregivers: Your Voice Matters!

 

LifePath, your local Area Agency on Aging, is completing an important survey this fall to better understand the needs of older adults (60+) and caregivers in our community. Please take a few minutes to share your input and complete this survey by Nov. 29.

 

Your responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared outside of LifePath or the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Most importantly, survey findings will help us identify and address gaps in programs and services to support older adults and caregivers in the coming years.

 

Please click here to complete the survey by Nov. 29

CONNECT: Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services

Support & Resources After the HEALing Communities Study

Learn more at HealTogetherMA.org

Time Sensitive Announcements

November 1 Spaghetti Supper

November 1 & November 8 Story Time

November 2 Stone Soup Cafe Menu

November 2 Archaeology Month at Wendell State Forest

November 4 Greenfield Healing Clinic

November 4 Let's Sew Slithering Snakes!

November 6 (1st of four sessions)

When Conversation Turns to Suicide

November 7 Help When It's Needed Most: Addiction Consult Services at Baystate Franklin Medical Center

Register here

November 8 Veterans Day Program

November 8 Safe Stage of Life: Empowering Older Adults Through Supportive Conversations

November 8 Zydeco Connection at the Great Falls Coffeehouse

November 8 Post Election Queer Family Night

November 9 Adult Dodgeball Tournament

November 9 Forest Bathing Mindfulness in Nature at Mt. Toby

November 9 Make an Herbal Poppet

November 9 Grain Weaving Workshop

November 12 Tuesday Tik Tok Time

November 12 Film Screening & Discussion: Powerlands

November 13 Coffee & Conversation with The Consortium

November 14 Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training

Register here

November 14 Climate Stories Music Performance and Presentation

November 18 Give & Games

November 20 Harvest Food Box Distribution

November 20 Clothing Closet

November 21 Family Game Night

MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS

November at The Art Garden

November at Community Action Family Center

November Events at the Erving Senior Center

November Programs at Franklin County Reentry Center

November Programs - Great Falls Discovery Center

November Montague Public Library Programs

Fall Hours at NQRC

November at Salasin Project

November at the Shea

Union 28 Community Network for Children Program Calendar

LifePath Healthy Living 2024 Fall Workshops

Piti Theatre's Youth Troupe

SNAP Application Assistance

Parenting Well When You Are Not Feeling Well

Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield

What's Happening at The NQRC

RECOVER Project Groups At a Glance

Weekdays All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project

Mondays September 9 - November 11 Lasting Lifestyles

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center

Monday - Friday

Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders

Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council

Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County Reentry Center

Mondays Art Guild Meetings

Mondays Advanced Manufacturing Info Sessions

Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin

Mondays Community Yoga at Wildflower Alliance

Mondays at FCSO Reentry Center - Recovery Through Creativity

Mondays CNC Playgroup at the Erving Public Library

Second Mondays of the Month - North Quabbin B.R.A.V.E. Task Force Meetings

Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group

2nd and 4th Mondays Parenting Together at the Brick House

Third Monday Alphabet & Allies

Third Monday Parenting With Pride

Mondays and Thursdays Hygiene Supplies Pick Up at the Brick House

Mondays and Thursdays The Brick House Food Pantry

Tuesdays Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery

Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle

Every Other Tuesday - Housing Support Drop In Hours

First Tuesday - Dads' Group at Valuing Our Children

Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In

Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour

Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group

First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force

Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions

2nd Tuesdays New Member Orientation at the RECOVER Project

Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups

Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group

Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group

Wednesdays September 18 - December 11 Nurturing Fathers Group

Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia

Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian

Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC

First Wednesday of the month Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jennifer

Whatever Wednesday's on the Second Wednesday of every month

Free Food - Every Third Wednesday

Last Wednesdays of Every month Office Hours With An Attorney

Thursdays October 3 - December 12 Virtual Parenting Journey

First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group

Thursdays Dungeons and Dragons

Thursdays Mens Group in the RPX

Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House

Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish

Second Thursdays -Peer Grief Support After Overdose Death

Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County

Friday Writing Group at the RP

First Friday of Every Month: Open Mic at the RP

Every Friday - The Garden Path

MassHealth Navigation Support

First Friday of the month 9am-12pm and Third Friday of the month 1pm - 3pm

Every First & Third Friday Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

Every Second Friday Chosen Family Night

Every Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project

Last Friday of the Month: Gardening in Recovery

RAFT Assistance

Re-entry Workforce Program

Homeshare Program with LifePath

Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing

Specialized HVAC Training

Specialized Information Technology Training

SafeSpot Virtual Overdose Spotting Hotline

CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information

Free Clothes and Gear

Free English Classes

Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall

Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program

Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages


MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.

You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.

What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.

An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.

The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE

How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late.  You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.

A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.

A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case. 

A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.

How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.

If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.

How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.

How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.

How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.

How to ask the court to pay for court costs. 

How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!

How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.

A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.

Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change

The Greenfield Court Service Center is located at 43 Hope St., 1st Floor, Greenfield, MA.

They offer in-person services on Tuesdays & Thursdays, ONLY, from 8:30 am-1 pm, and 2 pm-4 pm. Remote services (email, phone, Zoom) are available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

For an intake, contact the Virtual Court Service Center, Mon. thru Fri. 9 am-12 pm by telephone: 1-646-828-7666, press #, #, then enter meeting ID: 161 526 1140 or by video: www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140.

COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram