Notes from July 20 meeting

Hampshire Hope and an opioid task force in Florida makes posters that call attention to lesser-discussed opioid issues, such as kids taking opioid medications from grandparents/elders.
 
John will put 2 at the senior center.
Michelle will put whatever’s left at the hospital.
Gary will put one at his counseling practice.
2 at Valley Human Services.
2 at Town Hall
Sue will put 1 at North Brookfield Senior Center and 1 at the NB police station.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ware TV recorded our panel giving introductions and speaking about their work.
 
Nasal Narcan training happened after dinner.
 
Since November: 5 trainings in the Quaboag region, 3 of which were in Ware
 
37 people have taken a free nasal narcan kit.
 
 

Possible September event (before federal money comes in) to inform public about health risks of marijuana; Australian and New Zealand long term studies show effects on the developing brain and mental illness with marijuana use.
 
Current marijuana is stronger than what was used in the early 70s.
 
Still federally illegal.
 
Racial disparities in income/imprisonment  from legalization.
 
Current budget cuts $5million from addiction and recovery services; Gov. Baker has proposed an additional set of funding to fill the gap – we need people to advocate for it.

The group was tasked with thinking of influential individuals and people of color-led organizations to invite to our meeting. The group was unable to think of anything outside one of the local low-income housing organizations, which serves more POC than other organizations but is not POC-led.