The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for individuals and families who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. Many families are separated from each other due to stays in treatment settings, strained relationships due to a person’s substance use, 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.
Through December 14, 2018, 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, and Natick High School. Items that are appreciated include: socks, $5-10 gift cards (Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket), razors, shampoo, toiletries, winter gloves, hand warmers, lip balm, bed pillows, blankets, comforters, sheets (twin), headphones/earbuds, phone charger cubes/cables, portable blue tooth speakers, movie tickets, pots/pans and cleaning supplies (sponges, soap, scrub brushes, etc.).
Additionally, on Sunday, December 16th at 7:00 PM at the First Congregational Church of Natick (2 E. Central St.), Natick will host its fifth annual Vigil Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives to Substance Use Disorder. This event, sponsored by Natick Interfaith Clergy, the Natick Opioid Task Force, Natick Together for Youth, SPARK Kindness, SOAR Natick (Supporting Our Addicts Recovery), the Natick Community Services Department, the Natick Fire Department, the Natick Health Department, the Natick Police Department, Natick Public Schools and the Natick and Charles River Rotary Chapters, will include interfaith prayer, music, inspirational testimony and comments by community leaders and residents. All are welcome.
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 from generous funding from the MetroWest Health Foundation. Additionally, refreshments donated by the Natick Rotary Club will be available to those who wish to visit after the vigil.
For more information, please contact Katie Sugarman at 508-647-6623 or csugarman@natickma.org.