Newsletters

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.

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.

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.

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.

This issue, found here, features a column by Nicole St. Hilaire, CONNECT’s Outreach Manager of the Opioid Task Force for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. She wrote about how meeting adult children where they are at is crucial in their growth and development when they are impacted by addiction. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.

In light of the recent disruption and subsequent restoration of SAMHSA funding, the January 2026 OTF Co-Chair message, available here, underscores the need for sustained federal support to address addiction and mental health challenges. This funding remains vital for life-saving and life-changing initiatives throughout our rural region and in the nation.

This issue, found here, features a column by Karen Carmona, Program Associate, of the Opioid Task Force for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. She wrote about the importance of increasing our community’s education and awareness during January’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.

This issue, found here, features a column by Debra McLaughlin, Coordinator of the Opioid Task Force for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. She wrote about what to consider doing at the start of a new year, when things fall apart. This issue also features information on other community events, resources, announcements, meetings, and trainings.

The December 2025 OTF Co-Chair message, available here, discussed the importance of staying the course during turbulent times and expressing gratitude to its funders, members, staff, and supporters, which allowed the Opioid Task Force to conduct its work this past year.

This issue, found here, features a column by Debra McLaughlin, Coordinator of the Opioid Task Force for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region, about the importance of looking for and being a helper. This issue also features other community events, resources, announcements, and trainings.