On Oct. 27, Senator Ed Markey visited SAFE Coalition in Franklin to discuss the state of substance use and mental health crises in the area and the organization’s proactive response strategy. State Representative Jeffrey Roy, a founding SAFE board member, also attended.
SAFE, a nonprofit founded to combat the rising threat of opioid addiction and overdose in southeastern Massachusetts, hosted Markey for an in-depth discussion, exploring topics like the role public perception plays in access to substance misuse and mental health support.
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| Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition |
“The link between addiction and mental health must be destigmatized before people can get help,” Markey said. “No one can will their way out of it.”
The conversation highlighted SAFE’s initiatives, including regular Narcan trainings at Dedham Jail, early intervention educational small groups for local children, and support groups for individuals and families affected by substance use. SAFE’s approach to community-wide, wraparound care was notable for Senator Markey.
“I understand the mission,” Markey said. “Because if one person suffers, everyone suffers.”
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| Senator Ed Markey Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response |
The nonprofit’s CEO Jen Levine said SAFE helps many people who arrive at the office on one of the hardest days of their lives.
“We are also here for them long before then, in small and straightforward ways,” said Levine, “so that if their worst day ever arrives, they know where they can turn.”
Many are first introduced to SAFE through services like the organization’s free diaper and car seat bank or community events like medication takeback and CPR trainings.
Markey has championed substance use intervention at the state and national levels throughout his political career. His first encounter with SAFE was at the 2015 National Prescription Drug and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, which he attended with President Obama.
SAFE now serves over 37 towns across the state with recovery and support groups, referral services, one-on-one nonclinical recovery support, resource connection, community trainings, educational programming for adolescents and schools, events like film screenings and talks, sober art and music nights, and trauma-informed yoga. SAFE also voluntarily advises opioid abatement funding boards in municipalities across the state.
For more information on SAFE’s services or collaboration opportunities, contact SAFE at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.
