Tuesday, June 14, 2016

S.A.F.E. Community Coalition Update



This is an update on SAFE Coalition activities and upcoming events.
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SAFE joining Odd Fellows for SUD Forum

On Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7 p.m., the SAFE Coalition is teaming up with the Franklin Odd Fellows to present a forum on substance use disorders in our community. The forum will take place at the Dean College Campus Center, Atrium, on Emmons Street in Franklin. 

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy and SAFE President Jim Derick will lead the talk. This event is being hosted to continue our series of community conversations and to increase awareness.
The topics for discussion include:
  1. How did we get here? A discussion on the history of the Opioid epidemic, nationally and locally.
  2. Public Health Epidemic – Discuss current trends in substance use disorders. Just how bad is the problem and how is it impacting our communities?
  3. Faces of the Epidemic – Hear from a person in long term recovery into and out of active addiction.
  4. What defines a substance use disorder? What triggers addiction? How does a person recover from his or her disease?
  5. Responding to the Epidemic – How has the federal and state government responded and how are community agencies responding? What role do community coalitions play?
  6. How do citizens become involved in helping communities heal and in promoting change?
  7. Q & A: Engage audience members in the discussion.
Please click here to see the Milford Daily News report on this event. For more information about this event and the S.A.F.E. Coalition please "Like" us on Facebook and visit our website www.safecoalitionma.com.

Norfolk Sheriff introduces new treatment program


The SOAR (Starting Over And in Recovery) Initiative is up and running in Norfolk County. This pilot program, a partnership between the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department and Wrentham District Court, provides substance abuse services to probation detainees struggling with Substance Use Disorders.

Since June 1, a total of 3 referrals have been made to SOAR, with other referrals pending.  The first referral completed Detox protocol, was transported to court, and was transitioned to a 90 day out of state residential program with Naltrexone/Vivitrol treatment initiated.

Two other referrals are presently in Detox protocol awaiting medical clearance to begin further programming.

Wrentham Court is expected to fill between 10-12 program slots on a rolling basis during the pilot trial.

We are proud to report that several SAFE members participated in the development of this program. So far, results are promising! Stay tuned!

SAFE aids Vineyard coalition efforts


SAFE board members Jim Derick and Steve Spiewakowski were part of a panel discussion last week on Martha's Vineyard designed to explore the possibility of forming a community coalition on the Vineyard.

SAFE owes so much of it's success to the EB Hopes Coalition (East Bridgewater) and the many other coalition partners that have helped us along our way. It was great for us to be able to "pay it forward" and share some ideas with this community.

You can read the stories on these efforts from the MV Times by clicking here, or the Vineyard Gazette by clicking here.

New centers open to offer drop-in services


The S.A.F.E Substance Abuse Outreach and Intervention Drop in Centers are up and running offering those impacted by Substance Use Disorder with a gateway to professional resources and support. This program provides treatment and recovery options to those impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) along with supportive services for family member and loved ones.

Drop in Centers are held each week at alternating between locations in the towns of Franklin and Milford (please see the summer schedule below).  The centers are open from 5:00 to 9:00 PM and offer a safe and confidential environment for people seeking treatment and supportive services.
 
The centers are staffed by trained recovery Angel volunteers as well as a mental health and substance abuse counselors equipped to provide access to a variety of services including;
  • Mental health and substance abuse intake screening by mental health counselor professionals
  • Access to outpatient levels of care
  • Access to inpatient medical detoxification programs, 
  • Information on and access to longer term inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation services 
  • Resources for family support provided by Learn to Cope volunteers, a peer to peer support group for family members and loved ones of people impacted by SUDs
  • Recovery Angel support and mentoring provided by trained volunteers who are themselves in long term recovery from SUDs.
  • Faith-based support
  • Information on how to obtain of nasal Naloxone (NARCAN) and opioid overdose reversal drug
  • Procedural information and assistance with implementation of Section 35 
Since opening on April 5th, the centers have had 15 people seen and engaged in a treatment plan during drop in hours. In non-drop in hours, we've had over 40 people call in  to our hotline for Substance Abuse treatment and support.

If you or a loved one needs assistance please visit one of our centers or call our crises hotline at 508-488-8105.
 
DROP IN CENTER LOCATIONS:
FRANKLIN – St John's Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St.
MILFORD – Community Impact, 211 Main Street

DROP IN CENTER JUNE/JULY SCHEDULE

Franklin      Milford        Franklin        Milford           Franklin      Milford       Franklin      Milford
June 9th    June 14th    June 23rd    June 28th    July 14th    July 19th    July 28th    August 2nd
5-9 PM         5-9 PM        5-9 PM          5-9 PM         5-9 PM       5-9 PM       5-9PM        5-9 PM
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S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.
 
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Copyright © 2016 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against opioid abuse in our community.

Our mailing address is:
Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov
State House - Room 527A
Boston, MA 02133     

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