by LaMara HunterKelly | Jan 11, 2024 | In The News
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.
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by LaMara HunterKelly | Dec 13, 2023 | In The News
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.
by LaMara HunterKelly | Jun 1, 2023 | In The News, Uncategorized
Senator Joe Comerford asks the panel including Jeffrey C. Riley, Commissioner Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Dr. Patrick A Tutwiler, Secretary of the Executive Office of Education, Amy Kershaw, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care, and Dr. Noe Ortega, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, a question during the budget hearing of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on Governor Healey’s 2024 proposed budget chaired by Comerford and Representative Andy Vargas at UMass Monday, March 13, 2023.[/caption]
By JAMES PENTLAND
NORTHAMPTON — With passage of the state Senate’s $55.9 billion budget last week, Senator Comerford, D- Northampton, secures $1.1M for area groups. A number of area organizations can look forward to a financial boost to the tune of $1.15 million at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Topping the list of government aid recipients in Sen. Jo Comerford’s Hampshire and Franklin county district is the University of Massachusetts Water and Energy Technology Center, known as the WET Lab, which is in line for $500,000. Among other programs with announced awards, Trauma Informed Hampshire County will be receiving $35,000 to promote the initiative’s work of healing trauma. “It’s nothing to take for granted,” Comerford said of the funding. “We’re gearing up to ask the conference committee to meet soon and to keep the earmarks.” This and all proposed funding has to survive the reconciliation process between the House and Senate budgets and be approved by Gov. Maura Healey before becoming final… (more…)
by LaMara HunterKelly | Mar 21, 2023 | In The News
GREENFIELD – Keith Rollins has dabbled in art for 20 years and once worked as a licensed tattoo artist. But Wednesday marked the first time his work has been showcased in a gallery setting.
For approximately the next month, samples of Rollins’ prints will hang on a wall at 74 Federal St., and the 30-year-old Chicopee native is happy to explain his inspiration and creative process. He is one of 13 western Massachusetts residents in recovery with their work exhibited in The RECOVER Project’s annex gallery as part of the nonprofit’s first art show.
“This place has been a huge part of my recovery,” he said about an hour after the exhibit opened on Wednesday afternoon. “This is the first time I’ve ever displayed my art like this.”
Tara Kuzmeskus, a peer support worker with The RECOVER Project, explained someone in recovery had suggested an art show, knowing there is a lot of artistic talent in the area. The idea got a vote of approval at a community meeting a couple of months ago and artists began hanging their work over the past week…[CONTINUE READING]
by LaMara HunterKelly | Mar 3, 2023 | In The News
GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project hosts a weekly watercolor painting group for adults on Zoom. Days and times vary each week.
Sessions involve warm-ups and fun project ideas that are meant to foster relaxation and emotional relief. Healing arts and somatic experiencing can help soothe the whole person, without participants having to talk about their trauma. No art experience is necessary.
Groups are open to anyone and free to join. Email: Bekki-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org or call 413-774-4307, ext. 104 for details or to register…[continue reading]
