Natick 180 addresses the full continuum of substance use.
Natick 180 builds upon and integrates the work of the Natick Opioid Task Force with Natick Together for Youth (NTY), two community groups that have a long history of preventing and reducing substance use disorder in Natick.
Mission Statement
Natick 180 serves as Natick’s principal community-based coalition for inclusive and culturally-responsive addiction education, prevention and recovery. The Coalition brings together diverse partners, individuals and resources to:
- address factors contributing to substance use disorder, such as mental health, stigma, and racism;
- provide assistance to those who are currently experiencing addiction;
- empower members of the recovery community through inclusion in decision-making and leadership roles; and
- build up community characteristics and create a culture of equitable access to connectedness and belonging that protect against substance use disorder.
Natick 180 strives to champion diversity, equity and inclusion. The Coalition recognizes both substance use disorder and racism as public health crises and is committed to dismantling the policies, systems and structures that contribute to the discrimination and inequities that impact the lives of Natick community members. We welcome all individuals no matter their disability, race, culture, language, gender, economic circumstance, gender identity, sexual orientation, spiritual or religious background or age.
Natick 180 empowers community members and fosters community conversations about substance use and mental health that are driven by empathy, respect, science and data.
While addiction cannot be prevented in every circumstance, by assisting individuals and families with connected programs, services and treatment providers, Natick can respond more effectively to help community members who experience addiction.
Natick 180. Your Community Resource for addiction education, prevention, and recovery.
Natick 180 Focuses On:
Education & Prevention
- Sponsorship of community events
- Community education through Resilient Parent, Resilient Child speaker series, workshops, website, social media, and printed materials
- Youth marketing campaigns and educational initiatives
- Evidence-based curriculum in schools and community settings
- Community-wide programs to limit youth access to substances such as medication disposal kiosk
- Advocacy for best practices in regulations and policies
Treatment & Recovery Support
- Embedded mental health clinician with first responders and post-overdose follow-up protocols
- Resource cards and informational materials
- Referrals to local treatment agencies and recovery support organizations
- Community events and resource fairs featuring local service providers
- Overdose prevention training and Naloxone (Narcan) distribution
- Support for grassroots efforts such as the Journey bereavement group and the Boston Bulldogs running club
Sustainability of Community Efforts
- Data collection and evaluation
- Development of collaborations with local community organizations
- Capacity building through funding, staffing, and organizational development