"This Is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids" - YouTube

"Driven by opioid addiction, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Opioids are part of a drug class that includes the illegal drug heroin and powerful pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. Every day in the United States more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for not using prescription opioids as directed. 

Lily Fang's animation, Susan’s Brain, is part of a free online course produced by HarvardX and Harvard Health Publications. The course, The Opioid Crisis in America, challenges preconceptions about addiction and about who can become addicted to opioids, and this animation illustrates changes in the brain that lead to addiction. Dr. Elena Chartoff and Dr. Hilary Connery, both of Boston’s McLean Hospital advised on the brain science within this animation. This video is provided courtesy of the President’s and Fellows of Harvard College © 2017."

Continue reading the National Geographic article
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/video/shorts/this-is-what-happens-to-your-brain-on-opioids/

For more on opioid addiction from Harvard
https://www.health.harvard.edu/addiction/understanding-opioids




Thanks to the Safe Coalition for point to this!
https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/1169533646510173

MIAA Opioid Abuse Prevention Conference, December 13, 2017

Keynote Speaker Michael Botticelli former Director of National Drug Control Policy Mr. Botticelli served as ONDCP Director from March 2014 until the end of President Obama's term. Prior to this time, he spent 18 years with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. He currently serves as Director of the Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine at the Boston Medical Center. Keynote presentations by Botticelli and Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy (Democrat-10th District Norfolk) will highlight an overall program designed by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) to educate school personnel and student leaders about the dangers of opioid misuse. This second annual wellness initiative includes workshop sessions presented by prevention partners on topics including The Opioid Crisis in Massachusetts; The Nature of Addiction; Teen Brain Development/Science; Personal Recovery Stories; Signs and Symptoms of Use; Preventing Opioid Misuse in Student-Athletes; and Supporting Students Returning to School Post Rehab. Schools are encouraged to register a group of staff and student representatives to attend this event. The registration fee includes conference materials, light breakfast and luncheon. For additional information, please visit www.miaa.net or contact the MIAA Educational Athletics Staff at 508-541-7997. Cost: $55 per person Includes light breakfast, lunch and materials Conference Flyer Online Registration  An offering under the Wellness Pillar of the MIAA Educational Athletics Curriculum MIAA033 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association  Building the Future Through Educational Athletics 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038 www.miaa.net

“We are committed to effective treatment for every individual"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The police chief and district attorney were among officials who explored local effects of the opioid epidemic at a forum Tuesday night. 

Norfolk County DA Michael Morrissey, Police Chief Gerard Daigle, officials from Wrentham District Court, area substance-abuse activists and a recovering addict discussed the scope of the problem, ways it had been addressed in recent years and their personal experiences. 

Daigle said he had deep roots in the community, and had seen many changes. For most of his 32 years in the department, overdoses had been an occasional matter. 

“All of a sudden, it’s been brought to the forefront,” he said at the Bellingham Public Library. “I’ve seen kids and parents struggling with this crisis... it hits home a lot.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171114/da-bellingham-police-chief-discuss-opioids-at-forum

"The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the second significant package to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic, including legislation titled An act relative to Combating addiction, Accessing treatment, Reducing prescriptions and Enhancing prevention (CARE Act) and administrative actions. 

These proposals will:

• Increase access to treatment and recovery services
• Strengthen education and prevention efforts
• Seek regulatory relief from the federal government to increase treatment access 

These initiatives build upon and expand the Commonwealth’s prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery strategies unveiled in June 2015 and the STEP Act, legislation authored by the Baker-Polito Administration in October 2015 and enacted in March 2016, which expanded treatment, created new education programs and instituted the nation’s first seven day limit on opioid prescriptions for adults."

Continue reading the press release online
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-more-reforms-to-combat-the-opioid-and-heroin-epidemic

Comprehensive plan includes combating addiction, accessing treatment,
reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention

Opioid Crises Forum - Nov 14

Opioid Crisis Forum is scheduled for the Bellingham Library Nov. 14, 7-9 PM

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Bellingham Police Department, in conjunction with the S.A.F.E. Coalition, will be presenting a public forum on the opioid crisis affecting Norfolk County, as well as the rest of Massachusetts and the country. 

This past year, in Norfolk County alone, over 200 mostly adolescent and youthful citizens have died from this epidemic. Many more, of course, have been impacted - their families, their children, the justice and health systems.

The forum will present diverse and developing treatment and support factors that influence addicts and their families with the focus on Bellingham and Norfolk County.

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Find the Facebook event here

https://www.facebook.com/events/174307459788870/

#2069

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Opioid Crisis Forum to be held at the Bellingham Library Nov. 14, 7-9PM

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Bellingham Police Department, in conjunction with the S.A.F.E. Coalition, will be presenting a public forum on the opioid crisis affecting Norfolk County, as well as the rest of Massachusetts and the country. 

This past year, in Norfolk County alone, over 200 mostly adolescent and youthful citizens have died from this epidemic. Many more, of course, have been impacted - their families, their children, the justice and health systems.

The forum will present diverse and developing treatment and support factors that influence addicts and their families with the focus on Bellingham and Norfolk County.

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

In the News: reaction to opioid emergency; Vallee's influence recognized

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Local officials said more resources are needed on the ground level to combat the opioid epidemic that President Donald Trump has called an emergency. 

Those who face the crisis in the Milford and MetroWest areas were cautiously optimistic following the president’s Thursday declaration of a nationwide public health emergency, saying the high-level acknowledgement is a positive step. 

They added, though, that funding for local services is a critical need. 

This move does not necessarily include that money. Administration officials have announced their intentions to seek emergency funds from Congress, but this declaration does not have any dedicated money attached."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/locals-react-to-emergency-opioid-declaration

For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105

"Bob Vallee sat in the center of the half-circle desk in council chamber for the last time at Wednesday night’s meeting, marking the end of his 32-year run on the Town Council. 

Highly regarded by his fellow council members, Vallee oversaw innumerable changes in Franklin’s zoning and infrastructure, bringing the town from 1930s zoning to 2017 standards. 

“Sitting on the council for the last four years, I got to watch first-hand the kind of direct impact someone with Bob’s integrity and courage can do to shape the town of Franklin,” said council member Peter Padula. “He’s a been a great influence on me and I think the whole council. Franklin is a much better place to live because of guys like Bob Vallee.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/vallee-a-great-influence-on-town-council

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes fellow councilor
Bob Vallee for his 30 plus years of service for Franklin

Reminder: #2069 No Shame Rally - Wrentham Common - Oct 28

The #2069 movement, the brain child of Deacon Ron Tibbetts and Trinity Episcopal Church in Wrentham, has touched a nerve and taken hold in towns all across the Commonwealth. 

Please make plans to attend the #2069 No Shame rally on Wrentham Common. October 28 - 10:00 am. 

And be sure to join the movement on Facebook @ 2069_signs

#2069 No Shame Rally - Wrentham Common -  Oct 28

For updates, follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1576177895778815

"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."

 http://safecoalitionma.com/

ICYMI - 60 Minutes episode on opioid crisis

In case you missed it (ICYMI), the link to the CBS 60 Minutes episode on the opioid crisis can be found here  Ex-DEA agent: Opioid crisis fueled by drug industry and Congress 85 BILL WHITAKER CBS NEWS

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-dea-agent-opioid-crisis-fueled-by-drug-industry-and-congress/

Twitter image for CBS

NARCAN and NARCAN training - Oct 18

"Free Narcan and Narcan training will be available to the public this coming Wednesday, October 18 from 6-8 PM at the Franklin Fire Dept, 40 W Central St Franklin. 

Narcan will be available on a first come first served basis. Hands on CPR training will also be available."

You can register for the CPR training here https://signup.com/mobileweb/2.0/vspot.html?activitykey=4169816426641080114#choose_jobs_page

SAFE Coalition

No Shame; Erasing The Stigma Rally - Oct 28

"No Shame is a rally to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. We hope to offer support to those in the struggle, those who confront the epidemic on every level and to erase shadows cast by stereotypes and stigmas. We aim to lift the unfair burden of shame carried by so many. Please join us we stand as one and shed light on this issue that touches so many. 

You can also search Facebook for#2069_signs for more information and to join the movement."

Wrentham Town Common

Sat, October 28, 2017

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

No Shame; Erasing The Stigma Rally - Oct 28

Just What is #2069?

The yard signs “#2069” that you may have seen in a growing number of locations are a stark reminder that in 2016, in the State of Massachusetts alone, 2,069 beautiful souls died as a direct result of opioid abuse and addiction.

The signs are not intended to be simply a memorial to those lost but a call for deeper awareness of this epidemic in our midst. They are an invitation for us all to unite as a common voice of concern, of support for those who live with or confront this epidemic every day, and a voice working to erase the stigma that surrounds those caught in the storms of addiction.

The idea for the signs and the campaign began with the work of the Trinity Church, Wrentham outreach committee as they sought to know better their call in the world immediately outside the doors of their faith community. With the help of S.A.F.E. Coalition, an organization from Franklin, MA working to address this epidemic, the mission has begun.

The goal is simple. Using electronic media, yard signs, and employing a bit of hard work, the goal is to create a partnership with individuals, faith communities, families, businesses and others to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, to encourage those who serve on the front lines of this crisis and to talk openly and with understanding as the impact this epidemic has on our world.

Yet the larger goal is to erase the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction and to begin to lift that heavy weight from the shoulders of those who bear it.

Please, as a faith community, an individual, a family or a business join us in this effort.

Contact:

Trinity Church, Wrentham at 1-508-384-3958

Rev, Ron Tibbetts, deacon at 774-210-0284

And join the growing group on Facebook at #2069_signs

On Twitter- #2069 signs@Trinity2069

Just What is #2069?

What are the #2069 signs? (video)

The signs appearing around Franklin and other MA communities originated in Wrentham.





If the embedded FOX25 video doesn't work well, please try this link
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/2069-movement-helps-shed-new-light-on-opioid-crisis/596245838

signs were available from the SAFE Coalition table
Saturday at the movie night on the Town Common

"fight the epidemic at every level and save more lives"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The number of opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts has increased each year since 2010, but new figures from the first half of this year offer some signs of motion in the opposite direction. 

Fifty-three fewer people died of opioid overdoses in the first six months of 2017 than over the same time period last year, according to state data released Tuesday. 

The latest quarterly report on opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts tracked 978 confirmed and estimated opioid deaths from January through June, a 5 percent decrease from the 1,031 in the first half of 2016. 

A year ago, the Department of Public Health reported that the opioid death rate was higher for the first six months of 2016 than in the first half of the previous year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170822/mass-opioid-overdose-deaths-trending-downward-in-2017

Deaths made be trending down but the problem itself is not resolved yet. The work of the SAFE Coalition (and others) is still quite important. The decline in deaths may be due to the increased availability and awareness of NARCAN which was coordinated by the SAFE Coalition in Franklin.

For more about the SAFE Coalition and what they are doing to help the substance abuse problem we have visit their webpage  http://safecoalitionma.com/

http://safecoalitionma.com/

#opioidFranklin: Not An Emergency?

The opioid problem needs to be addressed on multiple fronts. The SAFE Coalition is working hard locally to provide help. Representative Roy and others in the MA legislature are working that avenue. This group is working on the the national level and can use your support.

Yesterday, the President of the United States suggested there would be a big announcement related to the ongoing opioid crisis. But what he said was more of the same – continuing the same, tired rhetoric, without any of the bold action this issue demands and that he promised on the campaign trail.  President Trump even suggested going back to a simple, 1980's-style message "Just Say No," and telling young people alcohol and other drugs are bad is the best path forward. That didn't work then and it will not work now. We need real solutions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, stated that, despite the recommendations of their own Commission on the Opioid Crisis, it was not necessary to declare addiction a national emergency. "We believe that, as this point, that the resources that we need, or the focus that we need to bring to bear to the opioid crisis at this point can be addressed without the declaration of an emergency, although all things are on the table for the President," Price said. Not necessary to declare an emergency? Mr. President, and Secretary Price, with all due respect – if you don't see this issue as an emergency, you haven't been paying attention to the recommendations of your OWN Presidential Appointed Commission! Or every major newspaper, TV news program, and radio news program in the country. Friends, let's force the administration to pay attention. Let's come together as we have so many times before. Please, add your name with thousands of others in support of President Trump acting on his Commission's recommendation to declare a national emergency. Once you do, please pass the letter on to your networks via your social media pages or email. Let's make our voices so loud and clear that they can't possibly ignore us. Let's be a bold and powerful constituency of consequence on this life and death matter. I hope you'll add your name by clicking here and showing them just how wrong they are. Warm regards, Michael King  Director of Outreach and Engagement Donate Now Facing Addiction is a national non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the voice of the more than 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction. FacingAddiction.org | info@facingaddiction.org 100 Mill Plain Road, 3rd Floor Danbury, CT 06811

"first responders are unknowingly succumbing to an overdose from airborne opioid"

How dangerous are the drugs that are prevalent in the opioid epidemic? 

This Facebook posting from the SAFE Coalition highlights a recent news article where first responders needed to be treated after they arrived to deal with three overdose victims.




For more about the SAFE Coalition and what they are doing to help the substance abuse problem we have visit their webpage  http://safecoalitionma.com/

http://safecoalitionma.com/

Safe Coalition update to Town Council (video)

The S.A.F.E. Coalition presented and discussed their efforts to help address the substance abuse issues that troubles Franklin and much of MA (as well as the entire US).

I will share the video replay once it is available from Franklin TV and encourage you to view it to get the fullness of the discussion. 

The video replay is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=477

The document used for the presentation is here:

SAFE Coalition - July 12, 2017 from Franklin Matters

Some of the key takeways:

• All Franklin 1st responders are now equipped with NARCAN
• Training and distribution of NARCAN to the community exceeded expectations
• Support line established (call 508-488-8105 for support, but not for emergency situations)
• Additional communications and education events planned
• Franklin Police provide real time overdose tracking for Franklin residents 
• SAFE has a YouTube channel with informative videos

SAFE Coalition presentation to Town Council, July 12, 2017

Live reporting: SAFE Coalition - presentation

H. Presentations/Discussions

H. Presentation/Discussions Safe Coalition

SAFE Coalition presentation to Town Council, July 12, 2017

Rep Jeff Roy, 

Councilor Bob Dellorco

Dr Jordan Warnick

Jennifer Knight-Levine

Jim Derick

In May of 2015 Franklin had no resources

1st responders are now equipped with NARCAN

legislation passed, more work to be accomplished

"We have come along way, we still have a lot to do"

3 new members for the Board as of today

linked with all the community stakeholders, non-profit orgs, churches, District Court, etc.

(will add presentation copy to this later)

SAFE Coalition - July 12, 2017 from Franklin Matters

largest national epidemic

no one taking a street drug should feel safe, and with fentenyl, it is now more lethal

Franklin among the hardest hit communities in MA

Franklin Police provides updated stats on the effects here 

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/opioidoverdose-tracking

Jim acknowledges as a Franklin resident with a family member he has experienced the issues directly.

over 125 supported via the Support Line  (508-488 8105)

Mike Zito - recover focused event at THE BLACK BOX

Chris Herren at FHS

Dr John Kelly at FHS

"Four Legs to Stand On" at THE BLACK BOX

video series via local cable (and via YouTube)

present on Internet, Facebook, Twitter

http://safecoalitionma.com/

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCldRbvq5nYYkDWyYNB4RYHA

NARCAN training offered in Feb and Apr

Dr Ruth Potee, speaker based in Western MA, spoke in Franklin and elsewhere in MA

Derek Getchell, former FHS student and athlete

2 students from the Peer to Peer group worked with SAFE as part of their Senior Project

1st Annual 5K race raised over $2400 with 140 runners

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Dellorco - this group is tremendous, we are lucky to have Rep Roy working with us

Thanks to Jeff Nutting for his help guiding us in using the recent State grant

Bissanti - this group is for real, they are there when you need them. You need to understand the tentacles of drug addiction and what it can do to a family

Jones - we appreciate the effort, I have been to many of the events you have hosted. I hope it is making some impact. 

the dose of NARCAN is higher than what it was a couple of months ago

it is a short term effect and if not applied in the right time doesn't help

it is a cycle between addition, high and recovery; we need to break the cycle

"addicts are no longer trying to get high, they are trying to avoid getting sick"

"we learn from people like Derrick to know what it is like"

"we are treating a disease, getting people over the hump is a tremendous hurdle"

multi-headed effort required, need to address some of the root cause availability of the drugs

so much of the overdoses are on prescription medications

what is it for, why do I need to be on it?

medication disposal is also needed, 2 easy at home ways from MA Dept of Health (look for link) 

Strengthened the prescription monitoring program, allows for an overview of what is being issued to patients; state spent 3M to upgrade system and make it mandatory for use to distribute prescriptions; legislation is pending to provide a penalty for non compliance

lowered default prescription dosage

working with MIAA, to address the student athlete who get prescriptions

need to get early education and get it all the way through high school

"you talk to kids about caring for themselves”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"At age 15, when he was spending his mother’s money on drugs and getting drunk to hang out with friends he’d known his entire life, Chris Herren wishes someone had asked him one simple question. 

Why? 

“Like, with all you have going for you, why?” said Herren, the former Boston Celtics player and one-time drug user who now dedicates his life to the cause of preventing others from making the same bad choices he made. 

Decades later, Herren is imploring schools to begin asking that same question of their students, promoting dialogue around the factors that lead young people to use drugs and alcohol."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170617/chris-herren-on-substance-abuse-we-need-to-serve-kids-better

Chris spoke at FHS in February 2016. My notes from his talk sponsored by the SAFE Coalition can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/chris-herren-tells-it-like-it-is.html

#safe-ch0229 "I did not know that one pill was going to change my life"

Dr. Ruth Potee at King Philip High School - June 15

Did you miss Dr. Ruth Potee when she was here in March? 

She'll be back this coming week at King Philip High School Auditorium under the sponsorship of the Wrentham Public Health Nurses (508-384-5485). 

An expert on the physiology and pharmacology of drug abuse especially in adolescents, her talk is compelling, informative and of distinct value whether it is your first time hearing her or even if you have heard her previously. Thursday, June 15, 6:30-9:00 pm with presentation to start at 7:00 pm. 

All are welcome

Dr. Ruth Potee at King Philip High School - June 15

Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/the-days-of-thinking-of-addiction-as.html

"to what extent are drugs an issue in your community?”

ICYMI: From the Boston Globe West edition on Sunday

"The summer before Cassidy Latham entered Brockton High School in 2013, her sister, who worked at High Point Treatment Center, approached her with a question: Would she be interested in joining a new drug use prevention program there? 

Latham did not have personal or familial experience with drug use, but her sister wanted to have a variety of teenagers participate in the program. Latham had received some drug education in health classes when she attended South Middle School, where she learned about the dangers of drug use and heard from guest speakers who had struggled with addiction. But she and her peers agreed that it wasn’t entirely effective. 

The program Latham joined at High Point took a remarkably different approach: The teens were given cameras and a basic question: “to what extent are drugs an issue in your community?” The camera was the device to help them answer that question."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/02/photovoice-youths-see-impact-addiction-new-light/uwKRfrboxxeDzmt2C7FZGO/story.html

Addiction is like “having your life locked up. The drugs just take
over, it’s not even you,” wrote the photographer, Cassidy Latham of Brockton, in 2013.