Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts

Thursday, April 20, 2023

SAFE Coalition coordinates for take back the meds day - Apr 22 in Franklin, Millis, & Norfolk

DEA MEDICATION DISPOSAL DAY 💊  🫵 THIS SATURDAY! 
🚗 DRIVE IN AND DROP YOUR UNUSED & UNWANTED MEDICATIONS! 
🎯 Franklin - SAFE Coalition offices, 31 Hayward St, Franklin
🎯 Millis - Millis Fire Department! 884 Main St, Millis
🎯 Norfolk - Norfolk Police Station! 14 Sharon Ave, Norfolk

SAFE Coalition coordinates for take back the meds day - Apr 22 in Franklin, Millis, & Norfolk
SAFE Coalition coordinates for take back the meds day - Apr 22 in Franklin, Millis, & Norfolk

Thursday, January 13, 2022

SAFE Peer to Peer shares emojis to be aware of

Acronyms and abbreviations can be challenging to make sense of. In a digital and social media world, we also need to deal with emojis. Emojis are those little images some folks add to their posts. Other than some obvious happy faces, what do they mean? 

The SAFE Coalition P2P group shared this depicting which emojis can be code for drug use.


SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of
SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of

Friday, April 23, 2021

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Apr 25 @FranklinPolice


"The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet."
https://t.co/62Cmpg0GLr

 

"This Sunday, April 25th,  from 10 am to 2 pm at the Franklin Police Department you can bring in your old or unneeded prescriptions to have them safely destroyed. Officers will be on hand during those hours to collect them.
If you are unable to come during that time, we do have a drop box located in the lobby to securely deposit them. Coming Sunday between 10am and 2pm means that you will not have to be turned away if the box is full. 
Please bring them to Police Headquarters at 911 Panther Way, Franklin, MA. Thank you for helping dispose of these medications safely."

https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1385292115631091718

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Apr 25 @FranklinPolice
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Apr 25 @FranklinPolice


Wednesday, February 24, 2021

The Guardian: "Drug-sniffing dog finds cereal frosted with $2.8m worth of cocaine in Ohio"

"US customs agents made a surprise discovery when a sniffer dog investigated what looked to be a perfectly innocent shipment of frosted cereal, only to discover that the sugar coating was in fact a large amount of cocaine.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Bico, a narcotic detector dog with US Customs and Border Protection, uncovered the haul of drugs in a shipment of breakfast cereal from South America that was headed to Hong Kong.

“Officers found white powder and the flakes were coated in a grayish substance after the dog alerted on the shipment,” the paper reported.

The value of the drug was estimated at $2.8m."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Thursday, February 18, 2021

What good journalism does

"Revealed: chemicals giant sold Louisiana plant amid fears over cost of offsetting toxic emissions"

"Chemicals giant DuPont decided to sell a plant in south Louisiana that emits a likely cancer causing pollutant, citing “major concerns” that government agencies would regulate its emissions to protect the community living nearby, internal documents seen by the Guardian reveal.

The documents show the multibillion-dollar company worried in 2011 about the potential cost of offsetting its emissions of the “likely human carcinogen”, chloroprene, and so moved to sell the plant, the Pontchartrain Works facility.

The company codenamed the sale “Project Elm” in an apparent bid to keep the deal, completed in 2015, secretive. It is also alleged the company withheld details of its own research to offset emissions from the plant’s new owners."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/17/revealed-chemicals-dupont-giant-sold-louisiana-plant-fears-offsetting-toxic-emissions

"Fake Doctors, Fake Documents: How a Russian Doping Lie Fell Apart"
"If the cover-up was to work, the high jumper Danil Lysenko realized far too late, he had better familiarize himself with the Moscow hospital where Russian track and field officials had insisted he had undergone a battery of medical tests.

The details mattered. The tests were the centerpiece of Russia’s explanation for why antidoping officials had been unable to locate Lysenko in the spring of 2018.

The punishment mattered, too: Athletes found guilty of so-called whereabouts failures — effectively failing to make themselves available for random drug tests — can face suspensions of up to two years. Those caught lying, falsifying documents or obstructing investigators risked even worse. Either sanction, though, would most likely keep Lysenko, a talented high jumper who has just turned 21, from representing Russia at the Tokyo Olympics."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
 

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Franklin Police arrest two on drug charges

On Friday May 8th, 2020 at approximately 8:00 AM the Franklin Police Department, working in cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Police, Milton Police, and the Massachusetts State Police executed a search warrant on Brookview Road, in the Town of Franklin. This warrant was the result of an investigation which covered several months.

During the execution of the search warrant, the primary suspect in the investigation, Alan PENNINGTON, of 32 Brookview Road, Franklin, Massachusetts attempted to evade arrest after police officers identified themselves. PENNINGTON rammed the vehicle he was operating into several police vehicles, attempted to strike officers on foot, struck mailboxes, and finally came to a stop after hitting another parked vehicle. At this time, he was ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody by Franklin Police detectives.

As a result of this investigation and the search warrant executed on the property many pills, believed to be fentanyl with an estimated street value of over $15,000 were recovered.

Additionally, approximately $100,000 in cash, and other items were seized.

Pennington was taken into custody and transported to the Franklin Police Department and was charged with the following offenses:

  • 1. M.G.L. Chapter 94C Section 32E - Drug Trafficking (Suspected Class A Substance - Fentanyl)
  • 2. M.G.L. Chapter 94C Section 32 - Possess with Intent to Distribute (Suspected Class A substance - Fentanyl)
  • 3. M.G.L Chapter 94C Section 40 - Conspiracy
  • 4. M.G.L. Chapter 90 Section 24 - Operating to Endanger
  • 5. M.G.L. Chapter 90 Section 25 - Fail to Stop for Police
  • 6. M.G.L. Chapter 266 Section 126A - Malicious Destruction of Property (8 counts)
  • 7. M.G.L. Chapter 265 Section 13D - Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (5 counts)
  • 8. M.G.L. Chapter 265 Section 15A - Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon to Wit Vehicle (5 counts)

Also arrested during this incident was Shane CLINTON, of 103 N. Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged with the following:
  • 1. M.G.L. Chapter 90 Section 10 - Unlicensed Operation
  • 2. M.G.L. Chapter 94C Section 40 – Conspiracy
Both men were booked, and then subsequently transported from the Franklin Police Department to the Norfolk County House of Correction in Dedham, Massachusetts for arraignment by the Wrentham District Court.

Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch stated “The work done by Franklin Police detectives and our law enforcement partners show the value of interagency cooperation. As a result of this investigation dangerous drugs were taken off the street and did not reach our neighborhoods.”

Additionally, Lynch added “I am immensely proud of the hard work by all the officers and investigators involved in bringing this case forward. They bring credit to the police profession, and this type of work continues to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Town of Franklin and all other communities.”

Shane CLINTON
Shane CLINTON

approximately $100,000 in cash, and other items were seized
approximately $100,000 in cash, and other items were seized

Alan PENNINGTON
Alan PENNINGTON

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Franklin Police Detectives make drug arrest

On September 21st, 2017 Franklin Police Detectives placed under arrest Robert Lozzi, age 50, of 208 Glen Meadow Road, Franklin, and Joel Carrasco, age 28, of 107 Harriet Street in Providence, RI.

These arrests were the result of a weeks long investigation which was initiated by citizen’s complaints of drug activity in the Glen Meadow apartment complex. Detectives credit good information, and cooperation of the residents in the community in bringing these two individuals into law enforcement’s focus.

As a result of the investigation and subsequent arrest of these individuals, several bags of a substance believed to be heroin were recovered, as well as cash proceeds. The Franklin Police Department will also seek to file asset forfeiture proceedings against the cash seized, and the vehicle used during this illegal activity.

The following individuals were taken into custody:

Joel Carrasco, charged with:
94c/32, Distribution of a Class A substance (heroin)
94c/32, Possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance (heroin)

Robert Lozzi, charged with:
94c/34, Possession of a Class A substance (heroin)

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.


You can also find this information on the Town of Franklin Police Dept page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_lozzi.pdf

Franklin Police Dept, 911 Panther Way
Franklin Police Dept, 911 Panther Way

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

"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.
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.


Thursday, April 27, 2017

In the News: man arraigned on drug charges

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

"A local man was arraigned in Wrentham District Court Wednesday on several drug charges - including one that he made methamphetamine - resulting from a March hazmat response to his house. 
Paul Therieau, 52, of 84 Stewart St., pleaded not guilty to manufacture of a class B substance, possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to manufacture a class B substance, possession of a class B substance and four counts of attempting to commit a crime. 
There was much discussion over Therieau’s conditions of release, as prosecutors wished to prohibit him from possessing any chemical that could be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. When it was pointed out that common household chemicals like alcohol fell under that category, the defense and prosecution were given until May 4 to compile a list. In the meantime, Therieau remains free on personal recognizance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170426/franklin-man-arraigned-on-meth-charges

Saturday, August 13, 2016

In the News: drug kiosk success, drought conditions continue

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

"The drug take-back kiosk in the lobby of the police station has taken in thousands of pounds of drugs in its four-year existence, and local law enforcement officers are hoping to continue that success. 
Deputy Chief James Mill said, as of Aug. 8, the box has aided in the disposal of 3,900 pounds of drugs. 
"The program started in 2012, when District Attorney Michael Morrissey got grants and was able to secure drug take-back containers at several Norfolk County departments," Mill said. "When it started, we were just seeing the onset of the opioid crisis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160812/franklin-police-celebrate-success-of-drug-take-back-kiosk

Franklin Police Dept photo
Franklin Police Dept photo



"For many families, the summer heat means backyard barbecues with plates filled to the brim with grilled burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and, of course, some fresh farm-picked corn-on-the-cob. But if you're enjoying a side of corn with your dinner this month, make sure to savor it because it's one ear that survived the brutal drought savaging local farmers. 
Jim Geoghegan, owner of Sunshine Farm in Sherborn, estimates he lost between 30 and 40 percent of all the crops he planted this year. While some crops came in fine, like strawberries and summer squash, others such as raspberries and corn have been hit hard by the lack of water. As many as four acres of corn have been left dried out, he said. 
While the farm has enough supplies for its on-site store, wholesale shipments "were the first to go" and pick-your-own fruit days have been limited. Geoghegan said his produce revenue for July was down between 10 and 15 percent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160812/crops-wilting-businesses-suffer-from-prolonged-drought

Sunday, July 17, 2016

"He doesn't really think he's looking for drugs"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Axe, the Franklin Police Department's K9 dog, is a boundless fount of energy - he runs, jumps and plays with evident enthusiasm. 
Though the Belgian Malinois dog can be - as K9 Officer Michael Gilboy put it - "a super hyperactive 2-year-old," he is also a well-trained and disciplined member of the force. Axe completed in late June the Boston Police K9 Academy's narcotics detection course, a six-week program. 
"He was trained to find narcotics hidden in vehicles, in rooms and outside," Gilboy said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160715/canine-with-keen-nose


Michael Gilboy and Axe, Franklin Police Department's newest K9 officer. Daily News and Wicked Local Staff Photo/ Allan Jung
Michael Gilboy and Axe, Franklin Police Department's newest K9 officer.
Daily News and Wicked Local Staff Photo/ Allan Jung

Friday, December 4, 2015

In the News: signs of drug abuse, investigation of fire continues

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A local group devoted to fighting substance abuse will hold a forum next week on the signs of drug use. 
The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) coalition will hold the session - intended to help family members identify signs that loved ones are abusing drugs or alcohol - on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Franklin High School. 
James Derick, the president of the coalition's board of directors, said the interactive forum will discuss signs, symptoms and solutions. 
"We will have packages available, so parents can handle items commonly identified as signs a loved one might be using," he said. "These are things like Q-tips, bent spoons and burnt tinfoil. They're things parents might walk by."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151202/NEWS/151208688/1994/NEWS


The Massachusetts Fire Marshal's office is still in the midst of investigating the explosion that took the lives of two Franklin residents in October. 
Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, apparently died as the result of the Tuscany Drive blast, which took place shortly before 7 a.m. on Oct. 10. 
Jennifer Mieth, a spokeswoman with the fire marshal's office, said the investigation has two components: determining the origin and cause of the explosion and looking into whether there was a violation of state codes. 
"We're waiting to have scheduled a forensic investigation of the building's burner and gas log fireplace," she said. "Because the testing could be destructive, we need all the parties to agree and come together."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151202/NEWS/151208620/1994/NEWS

Friday, October 9, 2015

In the News: Youth Baseball directors, House passes drug legislation, Council creates revolving fund



The Franklin Youth Baseball Board of Directors elections will be held 8 p.m. Nov. 18, at the East Coast Driving School, 25 E. Central St. 
Franklin Youth Baseball
Franklin Youth Baseball
Election to the Board of Directors is determined by a vote of the general membership. All positions are open and newcomers are welcomed. 
In addition to the usual positions, there are three new additional roles that need to be filled: Barnstormer representative, CORI Officer and social media manager.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151006672/1994/NEWS



The state House of Representatives, with the help of a local politician, passed a bill Thursday making it illegal for illicit drug dealers to traffic fentanyl, a common and deadly cutting agent typically mixed with heroin. 
The combination of heroin and fentanyl, a powerful opioid used with anesthesia to help prevent pain after surgery, creates a lethal mix and is 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin, according to the DEA. 
Under current law, drug traffickers can only be charged with manufacturing, dispensing or possessing fentanyl.
According to state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, the number of drugs tested by the state police crime lab tested positive has grown from five to more than 475.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151005905/1994/NEWS


The Town Council voted this week to establish a means to sustainably fund the Council on Aging's caregiver respite program. 
The council voted Wednesday to establish a revolving account for the program, which helps give regular breaks to those caring for elders. Senior Center Director Karen Alves said caregivers are often in need of a break, and are more susceptible to get sick because of the strain the role takes on them. 
"The Council on Aging is committed to helping caregivers," said Alves. "This program provides a trained companion so a companion can get out and have some respite."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151008/NEWS/151005888/1994/NEWS

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Franklin News from the Twitterverse - Saturday, Sep 26

Drug Tack-Back Day is today from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, drop off your extra prescription medicines at the Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way.


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Concussion Awareness week concludes but the need for concussion awareness goes on!


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As mentioned during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, each Friday at the High School is a dress up theme day. This Friday (Sep 25) the Freshman Class won.



Monday, June 29, 2015

Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update - Meeting June 30th



The first meeting of the coalition is Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at FHS.
View this email in your browser
Community Coalition

Meeting reminder

Here is a quick reminder about the Franklin Community Coalition meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th at 7 pm in the Franklin High School Auditorium.

We are expecting a large group at the meeting, and we have arranged for a number of speakers to address topics surrounding opioid abuse and ways that the coalition can help curb this epidemic. The goal is to jumpstart a community conversation and establish a coalition that will meet on a regular basis and provide consistent programming in this area.

In addition, many of you have already completed the survey included with last week's email. Thank you. Please click here or on the image to the right to view the document which includes the names and information on the people who have already responded. You can also download a copy that you can print out if you choose. I trust that you will find it valuable to know about some of the folks who will be with you on Tuesday.

If you haven't already submitted your information, and are still interested in adding it, simply click here to complete a short survey. We will then incorporate your info into the final list.

In the meantime, last week Governor Charlie Baker released the findings of his Opioid Working Group, a comprehensive report detailing 65 actionable steps to curb the deadly opioid epidemic. You can view the report by clicking hereThe findings by the 18-member Working Group include short and long term action items to be implemented between now and the next three years, some requiring legislative action and funding and some will be achieved through partnerships with private industry and federal leaders.

The announcement comes just days after the launch of a statewide public service campaign to alert parents about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse by their kids. You can link to the campaign by clicking here.

Finally, below I have again included some links to two timely videos on the subject. One is a short film called If Only which was produced by James Wahlberg and filmed in Tewksbury. It tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. One of the boys gets help to beat the addiction, while the other dies of an overdose. The other film is an 87-minute documentary titled The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts. It's the work of a recent Andover High School graduate who is trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community.

I thought the films would be of interest in preparation for our first community conversation on Tuesday. I look forward to seeing you then.

If Only, a film produced by James Wahlberg, tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. Click the image above to view the movie.
The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts is the work of a recent Andover High School graduate trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. Click on the image above to watch the movie.
Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community.

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

Add us to your address book


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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse



The first meeting of the coalition is Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m. at FHS.
View this email in your browser

Share your info

Please answer this brief survey to help us learn about the audience


We are conducting a voluntary five (5) question survey to learn a little about our coalition members ahead of the first meeting which will be held on June 30th at 7 pm in the Franklin High School Auditorium. The information you provide will help us maximize the potential of this coalition and enable us to use your experience and expertise appropriately and create the best materials to help us reach our goals.

Simply click here to complete the short survey. Thank you in advance for your interest and assistance with this project.

In the meantime, you may want to review Governor Baker's Stop Addiction website which provides  information on how to prevent and identify opioid misuse and where to go for help. You can view that site by clicking here.

And below, I have included some links to two timely videos on the subject. One is a short film called If Only which was produced by James Wahlberg and filmed in Tewksbury. It tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. One of the boys gets help to beat the addiction, while the other dies of an overdose. The other film is an 87-minute documentary titled The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts. It's the work of a recent Andover High School graduate who is trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community.

I thought the films would be of interest in preparation for our first community conversation next Monday. I look forward to seeing you then.

If Only, a film produced by James Wahlberg, tells the story of two teenagers battling addiction to prescription opiates. Click the image above to view the movie.
The Other Side of Andover Massachusetts is the work of a recent Andover High School graduate trying to draw attention to opiate abuse in his community. Click on the image above to watch the movie.
Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against obioid abuse in our community.

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

Add us to your address book


Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

Monday, June 22, 2015

What are those purple flags on the Cape for?

In case you missed the article in the Globe West Sunday edition


Dan Gilmartin placed purple flags in the Mashpee rotary. His son Cory, 32, died of a heroin overdose in January 2014. (DEBEE TLUMACKI FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)
Dan Gilmartin placed purple flags in the Mashpee rotary. His son Cory, 32, died of a heroin overdose in January 2014. (DEBEE TLUMACKI FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)


Gail Mahoney, 77, measures the toll of the heroin crisis here and across the country by counting the number of grandchildren she and her friends have lost to the deadly drug. 
One friend lost two grandchildren. Another friend buried one grandchild and has a grandson who is “fighting for his life.” Mahoney said her son’s stepdaughter died of a heroin overdose four years ago. 
“I’m just a little nobody, and I know seven people that have kids that have lost their lives,” Mahoney said Friday. “It’s everywhere. It’s not just on Cape Cod. It’s throughout our whole country. My question is: Why do we have so much heroin in this country?” 
Mahoney, a Mashpee resident, visited the Mashpee rotary Friday night to speak with volunteers who placed 330 purple flags to represent people who died from overdoses of heroin and other opioids on Cape Cod and the Islands between 2000 and 2014.
Continue reading the article here: (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/06/20/those-died-oid-overdoses-remembered-cape-with-purple-flags/UQgtjhD88zP3ySHDsQZ5fI/story.html


What can be done about the opioid epidemic in Franklin? Come out to the Community Coalition - June 30th - 7:00 PM.  Franklin can come out from behind closed doors to the High School Auditorium on 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 30. The meeting will introduce the formation of a Community Coalition to help with our own problem.


Sunday, June 21, 2015

What if… we can each help turn the tide of Addiction one share at a time?

From Patricia Byrne writing at Stop The Silence

The response to Stop the Silence has been staggering. The speed at which it was shared speaks to the size of the Epidemic of Addiction slithering through our neighborhoods and stealing our loved ones. 
Many have asked how they can help, others have asked how to get help. Much needs to change for the tide of Addiction to turn. Gloucester MA is at the front of the charge. They have created an Angel Program to help addicts instead of jailing them. 
We must admit this Epidemic is hiding in our communities. We need to recognize that families from all walks of life are re-enacting the same play behind different doors in cities, suburbs and small towns alike. We plead, sob, and scream to our addicts and to each other from a battle-worn script as we live our shared nightmare. Addiction is stealing the future of so many and decimating the lives of everyone who loves them. We need to step out from behind the doors and come together to help one another.
Continue reading Patricia here
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/what-if/

You can read more about Gloucester's Angel Program here -->
http://jgpr.net/2015/05/05/gloucester-police-chief-announces-major-drug-policy-changes/

As resources become available, Patricia will be posting them to this "Resources" page --> 
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/local-resources-by-state/

The Addict's Mom
The Addict's Mom

Community Coalition - June 30th - 7:00 PM

Franklin can come out from behind closed doors to the High School Auditorium on 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 30. The meeting will introduce the formation of a Community Coalition to help with our own problem.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Representative Roy Announces Community Coalition to Combat Opioid Abuse

In light of the recent opioid epidemic that has been plaguing Massachusetts Representative Roy of Franklin will be hosting a Community Coalition on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High School Auditorium. This meeting will be open to the public with the goal of establishing a direction for the coalition to take, to hear from experts, and to hear from coalition members in other towns on their progress. 
Representative Roy has been working with a group since February to develop a Community Coalition to combat this epidemic. "While I was pleased to be a part of the discussion, it was unsettling to see the damage that is wreaking havoc on people and their families," said Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) "We need to do more to help those who struggle daily with the disease of addiction and I think a coalition is the first step." 

Community entrance at Franklin High School
Community entrance at Franklin High School
The Massachusetts Legislature has taken a number of legislative and budgetary steps to get in front of the problem and it has been supportive of efforts to establish community coalitions to confront opioid abuse. Franklin is not alone in discussing and facing the opioid problem—Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey and his colleagues have been spearheading coalitions to fight the epidemic and they have recently included Franklin. 
On June 3, in preparation for the first coalition meeting, Rep. Roy and his team met with D.A. Michael Morrissey and his coalition leaders in Canton for a briefing and discussion on the ways they can combat the opioid epidemic in our community. "Franklin is doing the right things in dealing with the effects of drugs in our region, and particularly the Commonwealth's deadly opiate epidemic," District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said, "we see prevention coalitions successfully changing attitudes about substance use in other towns. Enforcement and supply interdiction remain important. But groups like this one are key to addressing the demand for drugs in our communities. I applaud the elected officials, police, educators and other community members who are making this happen. I'm glad to support it and offer the help and assistance of my office." 
Franklin Town Councilor Robert Dellorco added his vote of confidence to the coalition by saying, "When I found out about the overwhelming response to the coalition meeting, it reinforced the pride that I have in the Franklin community, and the confidence that together we can make a difference." 
Finally, Rep. Roy and the coalition urge the people of Franklin to watch Dr. Anne Bergen's show, "It Takes a Village," on the Franklin community channel Saturday June 20th at 8:30pm. Rep. Roy and other coalition members appeared on the show to discuss the epidemic and it serves as good background on the issue going into the first coalition meeting. 
For more information on the Franklin Community Coalition please do not hesitate to reach out to Representative Roy or his office at 617-722-2020.