December 4, 2019, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for individuals and families who have been impacted by the substance use disorder. Many families are separated from each other due to stays in treatment settings, strained relationships, or in the most tragic of circumstances, because a loved one has lost their life due to a substance disorder. In an effort to support individuals and families who have been touched by addiction, Natick community members are invited to participate in local initiatives that assist people in early recovery and remember those who lost their lives due to substance use disorder.
On Sunday, December 8th at 7:00 PM at the First Congregational Church of Natick (2 E. Central St.), Natick will host its sixth annual Vigil Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives to Substance Use Disorder. This event is sponsored by Natick Interfaith Clergy Association, Natick 180, SPARK Kindness, SOAR Natick, the Natick Community Services Department, the Natick Fire Department, the Natick Health Department, the Natick Police Department, and the Natick Public Schools, with special thanks to The Journey Bereavement Support Group. The vigil will include interfaith prayer, music, inspirational testimony and comments by community leaders and residents. All are welcome.
Additionally, through December 13, 2019, SOAR Natick (Supporting Outreach & Addiction Recovery) is sponsoring a collection of items that are greatly needed at local recovery homes. Collection bins are located throughout Natick, including at Natick Town Hall, the Natick Community Senior Center, the Morse Institute Library, Leonard Morse Hospital, and Natick High School. Items that are appreciated include: razors, shampoo, body wash/soap, deodorant, men’s cologne, toothpaste, toothbrushes flossers, winter gloves/hats, hand warmers, odor eaters/sneaker spray, Glade plug-in refills, laundry detergent and dryer sheets, power strips, AA batteries, earbuds, phone charger cubes/cables, portable blue tooth speakers, candy, snacks, and popcorn. Immediately following the vigil, community members will be invited to stay to be trained to carry naloxone (Narcan) in order to save a life from opioid overdose. This intranasal overdose reversal agent is made available and free to the public through the Natick Health Department and JRI Health. Additionally, refreshments will be available to those who wish to visit after the vigil.
Contact:
Katie Sugarman
Prevention & Outreach Program Manager
508-647-6623
csugarman@natickma.org