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.
Senator Comerford secures $1.1M for area groups: Trauma Informed Hampshire County to receive $35,000 to promote the initiative’s work of healing trauma.
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…)