"this is an opportunity to play offense rather than playing defense on this crisis"

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

"From the Berkshires to the Cape, cities and towns across Massachusetts are taking legal action against the makers of opioid drugs, joining a broad effort to hold them responsible for the ravages of opioid abuse. 

About one-third of all communities in the state have announced plans to sue pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, alleging the companies recklessly promoted painkillers while discounting the threat of long-term addiction they pose. 

Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey is also taking drug companies to court. In a lawsuit filed June 12, Healey accused Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin and other opioid drugs, of misleading prescribers and consumers about the risks of its products, contributing to the deaths of more than 670 Massachusetts residents who were prescribed Purdue drugs since 2009."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180701/massachusetts-communities-taking-drug-makers-to-court

Franklin's Town Council met in Executive Session on June 20, 2018 to discuss joining this law suit. As the discussion was held in 'executive session', we'll find out in a future agenda when either the Council will get a new item to discuss in open session or at some point the minutes of the executive session will be voted on to be released for public viewing. With two members of the Council as members of the SAFE Coalition (Casey and Dellorco), it is likely Franklin will take some action on this topic.

June 20 agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-20-town-council-agenda

June 20 Action Taken
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_20_2018.pdf

Visit the SAFE Coalition webpage

Hidden in Plain Sight (video)

Here is an incredible Hidden in Plain Site video tour produced by Franklin High School Students media students. They did a tremendous job! @jeffroy @FranklinMatters https://t.co/ZGtHJIkGUz

— S.A.F.E Coalition (@SafeCoalitionMA) June 18, 2018

For more about resources to help with substance abuse, visit the Safe Coalition
http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” - May 24

The SAFE Coalition, with sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Foxboro and Infinity Family Care, PC of Mansfield, is pleased to present a play entitled ‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” The program is intended to help our community bring addiction into the light and to talk about it.

Improbable Players will perform “End of the Line - How it starts,” a short play followed by a talkback and Q& and A. Based on true stories, the play is performed by actors in long-term recovery. Through education and reducing stigma, their mission is to stop addiction before it starts and help end the opioid epidemic. The show is appropriate for anyone 6th grade and up.

When: Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 PM
Where: Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (Formerly The Orpheum Theatre), 1 School Street, Foxboro, MA
Tickets: This event is FREE and open to the public
Reserve your seat at: www.facebook.com/SAFECoalitionMA

‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” - May 24

SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County who have come together to provide a pathway for 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://www.safecoalitionma.org/

In the News: drumming around the world; opioid crisis reaches milestone

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

"Presented by the Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek expanded its partnership with Music Drives Us to provide grants for events during its 2018 festival (April 27 – May 6). 

A Franklin resident, Lydia Lucas, received a $500 performance grant to support the presentation of the event, Drumming Around the World, during ArtWeek. The event will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 2-3 p.m. at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, 201 Main St., Franklin. 

Through this hands-on musical experience, Drumming Around the World focuses on exploring different cultures and their musical styles through the art of drumming. Participants will learn elementary to intermediate rhythms by ear, participate in drum circles, practice improvisation skills, and learn the history of hand drumming."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180501/franklin-resident-awarded-grant-for-artweek-event

"The U.S. opioid crisis has passed a dubious milestone: Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl have surpassed deaths involving prescription opioids. 

This change occurred in 2016, according to data published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. And it seemed to happen pretty suddenly. 

Data from the National Vital Statistics System show that there were 42,249 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016. That includes 19,413 that involved synthetic opioids, 17,087 that involved prescription opioids and 15,469 that involved heroin. (In some cases, more than one type of drug was implicated in the death.)"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180501/us-opioid-crisis-passes-this-disturbing-milestone

"lawmakers facing intense pressure from the pharmaceutical industry"

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

"Bills introduced in at least 15 states would impose taxes or fees on prescription painkillers. Several of the measures have bipartisan support and would funnel millions of dollars toward treatment and prevention programs. 

In Montana, state Sen. Roger Webb, a Republican, sees the approach as a way to hold drugmakers accountable for an overdose epidemic that in 2016 claimed 42,000 lives in the U.S., a record. 

“You’re creating the problem,” he said. “You’re going to fix it.” 

Opioids include prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin as well as illegal drugs such as heroin and illicit versions of fentanyl. Public health experts say the crisis started because of overprescribing and aggressive marketing of the drugs that began in the 1990s. The death toll has continued to rise even as prescribing has started to drop."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180428/states-force-opioid-makers-to-pay-for-addiction-epidemic

Tri-County Regional Presents Cory’s Cause to the Senior Class

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School recently presented Cory’s Cause to the senior class. Cory Palazzi, of Taunton, is permanently disabled after suffering a brain injury caused by a heroin overdose which resulted after first becoming addicted to prescription opioids from an athletic injury. Cory now struggles to walk and has to use a wheelchair at times. He is legally blind, his speech is slow and he has trouble controlling certain muscles which makes him unable to do simple everyday tasks without help.

The presentation was given to seniors as a part of the Positive Attitudes for Work Success (PAWS) program. PAWS prepares students for commitment to productive citizenship, gainful employment, personal responsibility and the setting of high standards of achievement in both vocational and academic courses. Seniors participate in a monthly seminar to address topics of concern in their transition from high school to college, career and/or military. All students are required to participate in the PAWS Program.

During the presentation, seniors were fixated on Cory and listened as he talked about his experiences with drugs. His presence was very compelling and made the result of drug use and overdose very real. At the end of the presentation, many students asked Cory questions and were emotional over what they had seen and heard. Students also had the opportunity to shake his hand and thank him for his courage to share his story.

Tri-County Regional Presents Cory’s Cause to the Senior Class

“Tri-County is committed to making sure our students are well informed of the Opioid Crisis in today’s society,” said Michelle Tilden, Senior PAWS Advisor for Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. “This has been a great opportunity for our seniors to hear the real-life story of someone whose life has been totally changed due to opioid addiction. We hope it has been a valuable life-learning experience for them and, as Cory says, that at least one life has been impacted by his presentation.”

Massachusetts, as is our whole country, is in an opioid epidemic. Athletes in particular, due to their risk of injury and the resulting pain, may be at risk for misusing prescription opioids. Representative Jeffrey Roy, a member of the S.A.F.E. Coalition attended the assembly. Mr. Roy currently serves on the Board of Advisors. 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.

Cory and his family have taken their experience and he, his mother Lori Palazzi and stepfather Dave Gonsalves now speak at schools about the dangers of drug usage and offer a message of hope for those faced with addiction. In an effort to help those who are dealing with the challenges the family once faced, they have formed the Cory’s Cause Foundation. Their goal is to help educate people about addiction and overdose, and to remove the stigma through sharing Cory’s story with the hope that other families won’t have to endure the pain that they’ve suffered. For more information on Cory’s Cause and to learn more about his story visit www.coryscause.com.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

"there’s still far too many people dealing with this horrible addiction"

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

"The number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts fell an estimated 8.3 percent from 2016 to 2017, marking the first year-over-year decline in several years, the Department of Public Health announced Wednesday. 

A total of 1,977 people died of suspected or confirmed opioid overdoses in 2017, accounting for 178 fewer deaths than the 2,155 logged the previous year. From 2015 to 2016, the opioid overdose death rate increased 22 percent. 

“It is a promising trend that for the first time last year we saw overdose deaths actually decrease,” Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said in a statement. “Today’s report is a welcome development, however, there is so much more work to do to increase access to treatment - particularly for individuals who are Hispanic.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180214/interactive-opioid-overdose-deaths-dropped-83-percent-in-2017

The work of the SAFE Coalition has helped address this serious epidemic. The support can start with a call to the resource support hotline. If you or someone you know needs help for substance use disorder, please call. (Note: this is for for emergencies, for emergencies call 911) 

SAFE Coalition hotline

"It's all about the money"

"How are drug trafficking organizations getting record amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil into Manchester, New Hampshire, the epicenter of the opioid crisis in New England? Two journalists—equipped with two DSLR cameras, 8 GoPros and a laptop—embark on a 1,700-mile journey to find out.

"Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline" takes you on an exclusive, eye-opening, front lines ride through the pipeline that runs from the shores of the Dominican Republic, through Puerto Rico, up the East Coast and into New Hampshire. With the United States focused on securing its southern border, more traffickers are going through America’s “back door” to get their drugs on the streets where demand is the highest. 

Celine McArthur and Freddy Wheeler find out why the Caribbean Corridor is appealing for traffickers. They also show you some of the methods traffickers use to pump their drugs through the pipeline without getting caught—at least, not often. 

Watch and learn from the people who know what’s really going on: A Dominican drug smuggler, a Puerto Rican woman smoking crack on an inner-city street overrun by drugs, an addicted mother who deals out of her New Hampshire home, a 21-year-old Manchester dealer sitting behind bars for a fourth time, admitting he has no idea what he’s selling. 

"Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline" also gives you an inside look at how first responders and local, state, federal and international law enforcement are taking action against the multibillion-dollar narco-industry on land, by sea and in the air. 

The story behind the story: Celine McArthur and Freddy Wheeler were mapping out the special when their television station in Boston unexpectedly shut down. Because the issue is so important to the region, they decided to produce the special on their own time, using their own equipment."

Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline from Freddy Wheeler on Vimeo.

Hat tip to the SAFE Coalition and Patrick Casey for letting us know about this video  https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/1193272637469607

http://safecoalitionma.com/

FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder

SAFE Coalition in partnership with Sacred Tree Yoga Announces FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Sessions will run every Friday night beginning THIS Friday 12/22/17. There are two offerings each night.

1. For those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder -  “Yoga for Recovery “ 7-8 PM
Yoga for Recovery explores the parallels between yoga and the twelve-step path weaving together a tool for enhanced healing. This integrative practice offers breathing, stretching, inspiration, relaxation, and meditation while offering support for self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-care on the road of recovery. Absolutely no yoga experience is required. Dress comfortably. All props are provided. Come with an open mind and open heart for an opportunity that can improve the moment with a supportive community where people help people.

2. For Parents and loved ones - Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga – 5:30-6:30 PM
Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga is for parents and loved ones of those
who suffer from the disease of addiction. This practices slows down the body and mind through passive movement while using props for support. Receive nurturing, comfort, inspirations, insights, and tools for daily living during a series of restorative poses that are supported with bolsters, blocks, straps, sandbags, blankets, and pillows. All props are provided. Honor yourself by allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual body to integrate and heal through relaxation and restoration.

Please join us!

Sacred Tree Studio is located at 65 Holbrook St. Suite 110 Norfolk MA.
https://www.sacredtreeyoga.net

FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder

More about the SAFE Coalition can be found http://safecoalitionma.com/

"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?