August

The Charlestown Coalition News:

Issue 84

August 2023

Welcome to the Charlestown Coalition's Monthly Newsletter!

We are a community based organization here to support the neighborhood of Charlestown by connecting them to services, building relationships and providing fun and safe spaces for community members to connect.

In our newsletters you'll find event flyers, recaps on what we do on the day to day, resources, information on our youth programming, and more. Thanks for following along!

Entering Recovery Month

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE STRUGGLING, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR HELP.

STEPS YOU CAN TALE TO STAY SAFE AND BE PREPARED WHEN IT COMES TO FENTANYL.

1.) Educate yourself: Learn about the risks associated with fentanyl, its potency, and its potential to be mixed with other substances.

2.) Do not take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a licensed pharmacy.

3.) Test your substances: If you must use substances use a fentanyl test kit to detect the presence of fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

4.) Carry naloxone: Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Consider carrying a naloxone kit with you, and learn how to use it properly - you can obtain this at your local pharmacy.

5.) Seek help: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional, addiction specialist, or support group.

6.) Spread awareness: Share information about fentanyl and the risks associated with it with your friends, family, and community.

SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MAY BE EXPERIENCING AN OVERDOSE:

-Breathing problems, including slow or shallow breathing or choking sounds

- Bluish tint to the skin or lips

- Pinpoint pupils or blurry vision

- Cold and clammy skin

- Extreme fatigue or confusion

- Inability to speak or respond

- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness

It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

The Charlestown Trauma Response Hotline is available for anyone to use at any time for assistance. We can also arrange to get Narcan for anyone calling the hotline.

(617) 726-0058 during business hours (9 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.)
(617) 643-0449 after hours (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.)

Please allow up to 24-48 hours for a response back. If you are in immediate risk, please call 911 or go to your closest emergency room. If you have questions please contact, Phenice Zawatsky at (617) 726-0058.

Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st

The Annual Overdose Awareness Day Event had a great turn out - we had tables for Chapters Recovery, NEW Health Charlestown, the Coalition and Dr. Forsythe's craft & smoothies. Huge thank you to the above organizations, in addition to the Charlestown Trauma Response Team, Smokey Cain, Recovery on the Harbor, Scars in Heaven, and all who showed up to memorialize those we have lost due to substance use, addiction & overdose.

The stakes with loved ones names will remain in the Peace Park for the entire month of September; we also added additional Peace Rocks throughout the park. Thank you for joining us in community.

Summer Youth Programming Wrap Up

The TURN IT AROUND summer program has come to an end. We had a wonderful summer exploring, learning and connecting with one another and with our community. Until next summer!

Coalition Birthday Celebrations!

This month we celebrated Ciara's birthday before a lot of our team had well deserved vacations.

Race Dialogues: August

Our topic for this month's Race Dialogues was: how would your life look different if you were born a race other than the one(s) you were? There were so many insightful answers...even "I truly do not know" - profound in it's own way. We are so grateful to have this space month after month, and for the genuine openness with which you all share of yourselves.

Peace Park Updates

As many of you know, the Coalition was given grant funding by the Community Preservation Act through the City of Boston back in 2018/2019 to revitalize and transform the plaza at Prospect St, Lowney Way and Mt. Vernon Street, our beloved Peace Park. Through the pandemic and other unforeseen obstacles, the project was delayed. Our team, the Friends of the Peace Park nonprofit, has been working tirelessly for a year now to move the project forward.

Below is an updated rendering of what the park will look like once completed! Kyle Zick & Associates presented a design to us years ago that went through a community process - but since that design, costs have increased and some things have changed. This is the most recent rendering for the design of the park, and we can't wait to share any progress in the upcoming months with you all.

If you have any questions about the Peace Park, please reach out to Ciara!

Community Partner Spotlight: Ricky, BGCB

This month, we want to celebrate and thank Richard "Ricky" Nelson, who is approaching his 10th year at the Boys and Girls Club in Charlestown as Facilities & Maintenance Manager. For those of you who may not know, the Coalition sits on the third floor but is a separate organization from the Club. Ricky has always gone above and beyond to help us with anything and everything, and we wanted to share with the community just how wonderful he is. In the past, he's been a huge support and mentor to Turn It Around youth, letting them work with him and shadow him over the summers to learn about his role and career in maintenance. It doesn't matter what question or situation we are facing, he is always here for us even if he doesn't have all the answers.

We appreciate you this month and every month, Ricky!

Have someone to nominate? Reach out to Ciara!