International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted Sat, Aug 28, 2021:

The SAFE Coalition and local leaders will gather for a vigil on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 PM in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. 

All are welcome to attend. https://t.co/8U5XPVNfj6

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1431713966003208193?s=03

International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31. 2021

On the Town Common from 6:30 to 8:00 PM

Follow the SAFE Coalition Facebook event for updates

https://www.facebook.com/events/638778387100220

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31. 2021

SAFE Coalition - Peer to Peer Group - 7 types of Abuse (video #1)

"Over the past couple of months our Peer to Peer Group created, filmed and edited a Mini Video Series about the 7 Types of Abuse as a way to raise awareness about Intimate Partner Violence. 

⬇️ Check out Episode 1 below!

🎯 Tune in each week for a new episode!"

Direct video link =>  https://youtu.be/54CsyPfU9Hc

Shared from Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2281109998685860&id=725586407571568

SAFE Radio: Marijuana Regulation (audio)

In this episode, Jim Derrick and Dr. Anne Bergen talk about marijuana use disorder, the high amounts of THC in modern marijuana strains, and the bills being prepared to help regulate THC levels in medical marijuana. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/219dcc30-0022-4dec-b14e-e7a8c9fbebd5

Listen to SAFE Radio at 102.9 or wfpr.fm on Tuesdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM

Subscribe for other episodes via Google Podcast (or your favorite app)

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vc2FmZS8 

SAFE Radio: Tim Kennedy (audio)

In this episode, Jim Derrick and Dr. Anne Bergen talk with Tim Kennedy about substance abuse disorder, his own recovery and services available. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/740fc8c8-aee7-4c94-9757-db75cb12c5b2

Listen to SAFE Radio at 102.9 or wfpr.fm on Tuesdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM

Subscribe for other episodes via Google Podcast (or your favorite app)

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vc2FmZS8

SAFE Radio: Cope (audio)

In this episode, Jim Derrick and Dr. Anne Bergen talk with Detective Mike Colecchi from the Franklin Police Department about substance abuse and a community approach to getting Franklin residents help. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/073eba9f-65a7-4872-ab44-760b8cd97d11

Listen to SAFE Radio at 102.9 or wfpr.fm on Tuesdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM

Subscribe for other episodes via Google Podcast (or your favorite app)

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vc2FmZS8

SAFE Radio: Learn to Cope (audio)

In this episode, Jim Derrick and Dr. Anne Bergen talk with Joanne Peterson from Learn To Cope about the services they offer for families dealing with substance abuse. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/52dfec30-ae34-476f-b8b1-ff737cce96c6

Listen to SAFE Radio at 102.9 or wfpr.fm on Tuesdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM

Subscribe for other episodes via Google Podcast (or your favorite app)

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vc2FmZS8

P.A.W.S. Event Sunday! May 23, 2021

View this email in your browser What do a Police Officer, State Representative, and Child Psychiatrist all have in common? They want to talk with YOU! PREVENTION. ADVOCACY. WELLNESS. SUPPORT. JOIN US TOMORROW: MAY 23, 2021 for a fantastic day of speakers including: Norfolk Police Sergeant Michelle Palladini State Representative Jeffrey Roy Child Psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, MD Danny Lagarce, peer in recovery Reverend Tiffany Spigarolo Emma Kucich, SAFE Coalition Emilee Purdy, New Hope Community Liaison All attendees will be mailed a P.A.W.S. l SAFE Coalition swag bag! SIGN UP HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4AZj39OLs9iW_-WGNngj_ecPKx_savIBctv1QNIY4EdT3Jg/viewform

Commonwealth Magazine: "Pandemic hasn’t erased the opioid epidemic"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"HE HAD JUST LOST his father to COVID-19. His dad had succumbed to this relentless disease while living in a long-term care facility. He was just beginning to cope with that loss.

Then, it got worse.

Two weeks later, he lost his son. His son died after a long-term battle with opioid addiction, stolen by an epidemic that has been raging since well before the pandemic – and still rages today.

What made these losses even more traumatic? Unable to hold a funeral or have any real way to join together with loved ones, he couldn’t say good-bye to either. The pandemic had taken that from him as well.

This is the tragic story of one family in Massachusetts. The pandemic has impacted so many more. And for those struggling with addiction, or who have a loved one who is, it’s brought a whole new set of challenges and hardship."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/pandemic-hasnt-erased-the-opioid-epidemic/

 

SAFE Coalition provides a good deal of assistance in this arena. "Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105"

For additional info visit https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

 

 

Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105

In the News: police reform bill stalls for 3rd day; parents want flag at half-staff Aug 31

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

"For the third time in as many days, Senate Republicans prevented debate on a wide-ranging police reform bill, but it appears the Senate could launch into its debate on Monday. 

State Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, used a procedural motion to postpone debate - asking that all of the nearly 130 amendments to the bill be printed in the Senate calendar. 

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said there is bipartisan agreement on 80% to 90% of the bill, but a section dealing with qualified immunity of law enforcement officers is dividing the Senate. He said a bill that’s less expansive and focuses on areas of agreement is more likely to yield “timely action.” 

Qualified immunity is a doctrine that prohibits civil rights suits against government officials where unconstitutional conduct had not been clearly established as illegal at the time it occurred."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200711/mass-gop-senators-hold-up-police-bill-for-third-day

"Parents who have lost children to opioid overdoses gathered Friday outside the State House to urge the governor to lower flags to half-staff in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, part of a national push to get all 50 states to bring flags down halfway on the day. 

The Massachusetts-based nonprofit Team Sharing organized the event and works with parents who have lost a child to substance use disorder by providing social networking, grief services, and advocacy. 

“If you ever have gone to a funeral and and watched a mom put her child in the ground, oh, my gosh, you’d do anything for them,” said Marlborough resident Cheryl Juaire, whose son Corey Merrill died in 2011 from an overdose. “He’s sending a clear message that he doesn’t care, and that’s what we’re really upset about. There was not a good enough reason why he couldn’t do it.” 

Baker has focused on reducing opioid overdoses during his time in office and the governor’s office plans to issue a proclamation on Aug. 31 declaring the day as International Overdose Awareness Day but said in a letter Thursday that U.S. Flag Code authorizes only certain, specific reasons for the lowering of the U.S. flag to half-staff."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200711/grieving-parents-press-baker-to-lower-flag-on-aug-31

Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Looking for a unique opportunity to learn about substance use, recovery, and community development?  Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Job Overview:

In this role, the Senior Year intern will focus on SAFE Coalition program development, holding tours, collaborating with other high school substance use programs, aid in preparation for classroom based and evening support groups. The Senior Year Intern will also be asked to enter volunteer data, engage in substance use awareness training, and host Narcan trainings.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Attend and co-lead weekly Peer to Peer program
• Support office staff with daily tasks and needs
• Develop and maintain all training needs as designated by the SAFE Coalition
• Meet with Executive Director weekly for 30 minutes for supervision

Experience and Learning:

• Develop a style of communication with community leaders and stakeholders
• Enhanced awareness around medical systems of care and state/federal benefits
• Establish a deep understanding of person centered recovery work and HIPPA regulations
• Develop relationships with other local high school substance use awareness programs

Qualifications:

• Franklin High School Senior
• Desire to advance in psychology, social services, mental health, science field
• No experience needed, prior healthcare or volunteer experience preferred
• Must be able to pass Massachusetts CORI test
• If under 18 years old, legal guardian must agree to volunteer program

The PEERS Franklin High School Senior Intern will be granted this $5,000 scholarship at the end of the school year

Are you interested in applying?

Please send a letter of interested to:
SAFE Coalition
Attention: Jennifer Levine
PO Box 434
Franklin MA, 02038


Letter must include:

• Why this internship is important to you
• What you hope to learn during your internship
• How you feel like you can positively enhance your peer community with your experience

Letters due by: August 1, 2020

Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

FM #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

FM #274 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 274 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Jim Derick and Jennifer Levine of the SAFE Coalition. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We walked through the development of the Coalition from the first meeting at FHS through to the evolution to where they are now, with a facility in Norfolk and Jen in the role of Executive Director. From what was truly a ‘coalition’ of stakeholders volunteering and making things happen to the newly evolved Board and Executive Director non-profit format to better accomplish their service delivery. And they are continuing to adjust during this pandemic.

Among the topics covered:

• Recovery is a journey
• Vaping and addiction cessation
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• FHS high school peer-to-peer group
• Newsletter monthly
• Fundraising begins in earnest to support the new delivery model

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jim and Jen    Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyDfPhv7




--------------

Local Resources:
​SAFE Coalition, www.safecoalitionma.org, Franklin, 508-488-8105
​Turning Point Recovery Center, Walpole (508) 668-3960
​Wayside Youth and Family Support, www.waysideyouth.org, Milford, 508-478-6888
​Riverside Community Care, www.riversidecc.org, Milford, 800-294-4665

National Resources:
​Techtogether.co ​​This resource highlights support programs online nationwide

Learn 2 Cope parent peer-to-peer support info@learn2cope.org

Road 2 Recovery - 12 step meeting for parents and loved ones contact Jim Derick vice-president@safecoalitionma.org or jderick50@hotmail.com

Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Taskforce https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education


SAFE Coalition supports:

• Peer to Peer mentorship
• Peer to Peer parent mentorship
• Zoom Group Programming:
• ​Mondays: Learn2Cope
• ​Wednesdays: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• ​Wednesdays: 12 Step for Parents of those with children who are living with an addiction
• ​Saturdays: Parents general support group
• Grief Counselor
• Chaplain
• Section 35 aid
• Narcan Training
• Narcan Dispensing
• Medication Disposal
• Vaping education program in partnership with Stanford University
• Direct clinical counseling in partnership with Wayside Youth and Family Support Systems
• Referrals to all levels of substance use and mental health treatment
• One on One care planning
• Public and Private Consulting
• Support Line: 508-488-8105

*All services are free of charge. Donations accepted.

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

SAFE Coalition creates the "Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award"

The SAFE Coalition presented its’ first annual “Jeffrey N. Roy Excellence in Public Service Award” to State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D) Franklin. 

Representative Roy is a founding member and Director of SAFE Coalition.
The award has been named for Representative Roy in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to prevention, destigmatization and treatment of Substance Use Disorder. 

The “Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award“ will be awarded annually to a person(s) who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to prevention and/or treatment of Substance Use Disorder.

SAFE Coalition president Jennifer Levine said, “Since helping to launch the coalition in 2015 Jeff Roy has been a tireless advocate for those impacted by Substance use Disorder. Jeff provided the leadership our organization needed in its early formation and has secured over $150,000 for SAFE in state funding that has enabled us to do our work."

About SAFE Coalition, Inc
SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

L-R Jennifer Levine, Rep Jeff Roy, Jim Derrick (Facebook photo via Rep Roy and SAFE Coalition)

"here’s the key – it’s really, really hard to do alone”

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

"When Plainville resident Robin Hamlin found a bottle of OxyContin in her son’s bedroom, he confessed that he needed help.

“He sat down on our couch. Actually, just like this,” said Hamlin, pointing to a framed photo of her son – Brian Hamlin Jr. – sitting on their living room couch, both elbows resting on his thighs with his hands clasped loosely together.

The photo is nailed to a wall, under a banner reading, “Brian Hamlin Jr. Recovery Resource Center.”

“With tears pouring down his face, he said, ‘Mom, I’m in trouble,‘” she said. “I need help, I can’t stop.’”

Brian Hamlin Jr. died on June 11, 2014, at age 32. He had a seizure following an addiction to painkillers, though he was in recovery at the time of his death.

To honor his memory, the new, centralized location for the Support for Addicts and Families through Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition is dedicated to him. Previously based out of Franklin and borrowing space for meetings and support groups to help those struggling with substance abuse, the coalition moved to a permanent location at 206 Dedham St., Suite E, in Norfolk on Thursday night."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200214/safe-coalition-finds-permanent-home-in-norfolk-after-five-nomadic-years

Visit the SAFE Coalition on the web  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

The SAFE Coalition opened their new office in Norfolk and they they did not do it alone

In the News: "staffed entirely by volunteers"

From the Sun Chronicle, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After years of borrowing space for meetings and support groups to help people with substance abuse disorders, the SAFE Coalition will finally have a home soon.

Next month, the grassroots organization will hold an open house at its first permanent office: 206 Dedham St., Suite E, at the corner of routes 1A and 115 in Norfolk.

The open house will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.

“Opening this office and conference space will allow us to grow and more efficiently provide services to those communities that mean so much to us. We will no longer have to store our materials in our collective garages. We are now able to centralize many of our services,” Steve Spiewakowski, the secretary of the board of directors for SAFE, said in an email."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/anti-drug-coalition-to-open-first-permanent-office-in-norfolk/article_92a427c4-eede-5f9a-9625-133c0288033e.html

For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

In the News:  "staffed entirely by volunteers"

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

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

"Health officials investigating a nationwide outbreak of vaping illnesses have listed, for the first time, the vape brands most commonly linked to hospitalizations.

Most of the nearly 2,300 people who suffered lung damage had vaped liquids that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.

In a report released Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the products most often cited by patients, noting that some of them said they vaped more than one.

Dank Vapes was the brand used by 56% of the hospitalized patients nationwide.

Dank is not a licensed product coming from one business, it is empty packaging that can be ordered from Chinese internet sites. Illicit vaping cartridge makers can buy the empty packages and then fill them with whatever they choose."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191206/officials-list-pot-vape-brands-reported-in-us-outbreak/1

Bold text added by Franklin Matters. This confirms the conversation shared at FHS PCC meeting where the panel reviewed the vaping issue. That audio recording is available for replay anytime.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/fm-182-fhs-pcc-everything-you-need-to.html
 
Additional information can be found on the CDC page
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

“Supervised injection facilities are an important, evidence-based tool"

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

"Doctors, legislators and medical students spoke during a recent Statehouse hearing in support of implementing so-called “safe injection sites” - facilities where trained medical personnel oversee people using illicit substances.

The safe injection sites, also known as safe injection facilities or safe consumption facilities, are public health spaces that provide hygienic equipment and areas for people who use drugs to take pre-obtained illicit substances. Trained medical staff are on-site in case of overdose, according to the Massachusetts Medical Society.

But U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling is on record as being strongly opposed to the practice, saying it “amount(s) to giving up” on the opioid crisis. Last week he reaffirmed his position after a federal judge ruled in favor of a Pennsylvania nonprofit seeking to open a safe injection site, ruling it would not violate federal drug laws.

Despite the controversy, speakers at the Statehouse hearing strongly favored implementing a “pilot” safe injection site in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191008/safe-injection-sites-controversial-but-many-in-mass-support-pilot-program

The wikipedia entry for "supervised injection site"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervised_injection_site

The Dept of Nursing at USC has a complete article with pros cons and an overview of the progression of supervised injection sites
https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/supervised-injection-sites/

https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/supervised-injection-sites/

“The way that the pills came to New England wasn’t from the local prescription pad”

Following up on the database released by the Washington Post with the opioid pills by manufacturer and distributor, the Boston Globe has an article on the single pharmacy in MA doing the most volume. The story within the data has many factors. The article also quotes Dr Ruth Potee who has been featured by the SAFE Coalition.

"Little about the appearance of the only CVS store in this picturesque old mill city of 17,000 suggests anything remarkable.

The cream-colored 24-hour pharmacy occupies a plaza wedged between a brick public elementary school and a storefront business that prepares tax returns.

But this CVS in the northern part of the state’s Pioneer Valley bears a dubious distinction: From 2006 to 2012, the pharmacy received the largest number of opioid painkillers of any neighborhood drugstore in Massachusetts, taking in 5.3 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills from pharmaceutical distributors, according to recently released federal data.

The data, which The Washington Post and other media outlets recently obtained from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has stirred concerns about the painkillers that poured into this Western Massachusetts city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/07/28/one-drugstore-dispensed-lot-painkillers-but-that-not-whole-story/knyhZsDzpA8gbHL8WggXEM/story.html

The post from last week

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/how-much-hydrocodone-and-oxycodone-went.html

 

 

Dr. Ruth Potee noted that many pills arrive in New England from places other than local pharmacies.(Steven G. Smith for The Boston Globe)

“We need to be creative and offer a panoply of options"

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

"Lawmakers who spent months studying ways to reduce the death toll from opioid overdoses did not parse words when presenting their findings Wednesday: failing to pilot a supervised injection site, as a commission recommended, would be “essentially sentencing people to death,” Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, said.

At a hearing packed with testimony from parents who lost children to overdoses and doctors who have watched patient after patient die despite available addiction treatments, officials who worked on the Harm Reduction Commission made their most forceful arguments yet that the state should pursue a program where drug users can receive medical supervision without fear of arrest, regardless of prosecution threats from federal authorities.

“I know that the idea of safe consumption sites is uncomfortable to many, but if they are proven to save lives, then we have an obligation to at least give them a try,” Sen. Cindy Friedman, one of two lawmakers on the commission alongside Roy, told a committee Wednesday. “Lives are at stake and we cannot wait any longer.”

Although the statewide death rate slightly declined last year, 2,033 people died from opioid overdoses, according to state figures. A key factor in recent years has been the increasing presence of the synthetic substance fentanyl, which was detected in 89 percent of 2018 deaths where a toxicology screen occurred."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190724/roy-no-supervised-injection-site-like-sentencing-people-to-death

"how much hydrocodone and oxycodone went to individual states and counties"

From the Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"For the first time, a database maintained by the Drug Enforcement Administration that tracks the path of every single pain pill sold in the United States — by manufacturers and distributors to pharmacies in every town and city — has been made public.

The Washington Post sifted through nearly 380 million transactions from 2006 through 2012 that are detailed in the DEA’s database and analyzed shipments of oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, which account for three-quarters of the total opioid pill shipments to pharmacies. The Post is making this data available at the county and state levels in order to help the public understand the impact of years of prescription pill shipments on their communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd 

Check out the interactive database for numbers state and county
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd