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Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, September 15, 2017. This edition includes information about the Celebrating the Multiple Pathways of Recovery event, Western MA Recovery Day, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Youth Conference & More

We’ve reserved space for a resource table at this year’s 169th Annual Franklin County Fair, which will take place September 7 – 10 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield.

As a result, we have immediate opportunities for interested individuals who would like to help staff the table. If you are interested in volunteering for a time slot, please fill out this brief survey to indicate your availability. 

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, September 1, 2017. This edition includes information about volunteering at the Franklin County Fair, the Celebrating the Multiple Pathways of Recovery event, job postings & more.

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, August 18, 2017. This edition includes information about the Celebrating the Multiple Pathways of Recovery Event, Greenfield Gardens Youth Talent Show recap, free webinars & more.

OTF Co-Chairs Laud Federal Action Declaring Opioid Epidemic a National Emergency

President Trump to enact top recommendation from President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis

Greenfield, MA (August 11, 2017) – ​The Opioid Task Force (OTF) of Franklin County and the
North Quabbin Region’s leadership praised President Trump’s decision to declare the opioid epidemic
a national emergency yesterday.

John F. Merrigan​, Franklin County Register and OTF Co-Chair said, “This is something we’ve been
working on for years as we’ve seen first hand the devastation opioids can cause to families and to
our community. We look forward to seeing the results in terms of resources allocated to address this
epidemic.”

“Having additional federal resources can only enhance our local efforts,” noted Sheriff Chris J.
Donelan and OTF Co-Chair. “With the recent $100,000 grant from Governor Baker’s administration,
we will continue to implement effective treatment and recovery strategies for those impacted by
opioids at the Franklin County House of Correction.”

Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan said, “This is heartening news. We look forward to
working with our federal and state partners to do everything we can to address the opioid crisis
across our rural region. Additional funding can certainly help support our existing initiatives.”

President Trump enacted the top recommendation to declare the opioid epidemic a national
emergency from the draft interim report issued by his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and
the Opioid Crisis, released on July 31, 2017, of which Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is a
member. The Commission recommended that the President use his powers, under the Public Health
Service Act or the Stafford Act, which would allow the federal and state governments to more rapidly
respond to national emergencies.

According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths due to
opioids now exceed deaths as a result of gun violence or car accidents. The Commission’s draft
interim report also noted that 142 Americans are dying daily from drug overdoses. As a result, the
federal government is in a position to better harness its resources to support states in their efforts to
combat the epidemic.

This will further support Massachusetts’ efforts to increase treatment and recovery services where
$185.3 million has been allocated to address substance misuse in the FY18 Massachusetts State
Budget, an increase of over 50% since FY15.

About the Opioid Task Force: ​Formed in September 2013, the Opioid Task Force of Franklin
County and the North Quabbin Region has over 300 members working together to help reduce opioid
and heroin addiction, prevent overdose deaths, and improve the quality of life in the region through
its prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives and committees. More information
about the work of the Opioid Task Force can be found at:

Website: www.opioidtaskforce.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OpioidTaskForce
Twitter: www.twitter.com/OpioidTaskForce

Click below to download a PDF version of the press release:
FINAL Press Release – Opioid Epidemic National Emergency 8_11_17

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, August 4, 2017. This edition includes information about the Greenfield Gardens youth talent show, Learn to Cope meeting changes, important BSAS updates & more.

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, July 21, 2017. This edition includes information about FRTA information sessions, the RECOVER Project’s Candlelight Vigil, resource guides & more.

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, July 7, 2017. This edition includes information about an upcoming Learn to Cope information session, fentanyl resources for first responders, job postings  & more.

Click here to view our newsletter from Monday, May 15, 2017. This edition includes information about Carfentanil, the 2017 Task Force Community Forums, updated DPH Data & more.

Click here to view our newsletter from Friday, April 28, 2017. This edition includes information about upcoming 2017 Task Force Community Forums, the Intercept Zero Mapping Project & More.