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.
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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.
February 13, 2026 (Issue 3)
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.
January 28, 2026 OTF Co-Chair Message
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.
January 23, 2026 (Issue 2)
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.