This issue, available here, features a column by Debra McLaughlin, Coordinator of the Opioid Task Force, who reflects on the courage of assuming good intentions in this complex political environment. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.
May 28, 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message
In this month’s message, found here, the OTF Co-Chairs reflected on the decline in opioid-related fatalities in our rural region between 2023 and 2025. They also provided an update on the status of the Opioid Task Force’s FY27 state funding request.
May 15, 2026 Newsletter (Issue 10)
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.
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.