The Consortium Celebrates 50 Years of Community Impact!
The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, located at 187 High St., shared upcoming events to celebrate its 50th anniversary. This milestone marks five decades of dedicated service and positive impact in the community.
The theme for the 50th anniversary is “Mission Possible,” reflecting on the unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those they serve. To commemorate this significant milestone, the consortium has planned a series of fundraising events throughout the year, inviting everyone to join in the celebrations and make this occasion truly memorable.
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Enrollment Now Open for the Spiritual Care Training Program!
Screenings in Greenfield raise awareness of gambling addiction
GREENFIELD — With the legalization of sports betting putting Massachusetts residents at an increased risk of problem gambling, Pioneer Valley volunteers did their part on Tuesday to help detect problem gambling habits and connect residents with the resources they need.
Volunteers with The RECOVER Project, a peer recovery support center, visited the Greenfield Public Library on Tuesday afternoon to screen visitors for gambling addiction in recognition of Gambling Disorder Screening Day. Established in 2014, Gambling Disorder Screening Day takes place in the second week of March each year, and is used to detect problem gambling, and possibly intervene..{READ MORE}
Recovery Center of Hope Brings Joy and Fellowship for the Holidays
Ware – It was time of giving back and fellowship at the Recovery Center of H.O.P.E. in Ware as they provided “Warmup for the Holidays” for this past holiday season.
Healing Communities Study Belchertown/Ware and health providers came together to reduce stigma around substance use disorders
WARE, Mass. (courtesy of WWLP, Kayleigh Thomas, Digital Reporter) – Reducing the stigma around those struggling with substance use disorders brought healthcare providers together Tuesday night.
Dozens of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and EMTs gathered Tuesday evening, to learn about anti-stigma messaging around substance use disorders. This is on the heels of a Healing Communities Study for Belchertown and Ware, finding problematic overdose deaths.
This event served as a reminder that people and their families are in need of support and resources. It pointed out that substance abuse disorders are medical conditions, and not to be seen as a sign of moral weakness.
“We’re hoping that with more naloxone in the community, more resources, that people aren’t as isolated and stuck in shame about their substance use,” said Healing Communities Study Coordinator for Belchertown and Ware, Alyssa Curran. “That they are actually getting outside, getting some help connecting with others and knowing that they are not alone.”
There was also a big push to make methadone treatment more accessible to rural Eastern Quabbin communities. Mobile solutions to bring treatment out to those areas is in the planning stages.