This issue, available here, features a column by Cathi Emery, Office and Data Manager, who reflects upon the importance of families in recognition of the International Day of Families. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
Newsletters
May 1, 2029 Newsletter (Issue 9)
This issue, available here, features a column by Nicole St. Hilaire, Outreach Manager for CONNECT, who talks about the importance of having voices of lived experience guide this work. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
April 30, 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message
In this month’s message, found here, the OTF Co-Chairs reflected on the meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern at the April 10th Executive Council Meeting. It also recognized the importance of recognizing April 29th as National Fentanyl Awareness Day, highlighting the work of the OTF’s Education, Prevention, and Resilience Committee to increase awareness and education about the illicit use of fentanyl.
April 17, 2026 (Issue 8)
This issue, available here, features a column by Nicole St. Hilaire, Outreach Manager for CONNECT, discussing how addiction is a generational crisis. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
April 3, 2026 (Issue 7)
This issue, available here, features a column by Karen Camona, Program Associate, discussing the importance of keeping children safe as part of recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
March 25, 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message
The Opioid Task Force Co-Chairs shared changes to the Opioid Task Force’s committee and workgroup infrastructure, informed by a strategic planning process and the evolution of the addiction field since its formation in 2013. Their March OTF Co-Chair Message, available here, goes into more detail.
March 20, 2026 (Issue 6)
This issue, found here, features a column by Debra McLaughlin, Coordinator of the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Celebrating International Women’s Month, Pat Thayer of the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry and the 43rd Franklin County Citizen of the Year, as well as the talented Opioid Task Force team – Cathi Emery, Karen Carmona, Kristen Cuddy-Pease, and Nicole St. Hilaire – were feted. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
March 6, 2026 Newsletter (Issue 5)
This issue, found here, features a column by Karen Carmona, Program Associate for the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. She wrote about tips and techniques for talking to teens about substances, with important contributions from Robin Neipp, a Public Health Nurse for the towns of Montague and Greenfield under the Valley Regional Health Collaborative Grant, and Greenfield Teen Librarian, Francesca Passiglia. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
February 27, 2026 (Issue 4)
This issue, found here, features a column by Kristen Cuddy-Pease, Program Associate. She wrote about the importance of safeguarding one’s mental health in this age of social media. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
February 25, 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message
The Opioid Task Force Co-Chairs and Executive Council met with its legislative delegation on February 13, 2026. Their February 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message, available here, highlights key aspects of this gathering. The Opioid Task Force also welcomed five new members at this meeting.