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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Monday, November 20, Representative Denise Garlick invited the community to join the discussion on substance abuse prevention, support, and recovery, and on mental health. Accompanied by a diverse panel of professionals, Rep. Garlick shared three authentic stories that broached the issue with the hope of informing the community on the opioid epidemic and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.
“We know, when we’re talking about mental health and/or substance abuse, that it’s a national concern,” said Rep. Garlick. “We know that the statistics of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are overwhelming. We know that the issue in Massachusetts is astounding, but what we mostly know is that when we deal with these issues, we look to our own community.”
Representative Denise Garlick hosts a forum on substance abuse and mental health in Needham on November 20. Photos by Laura Drinan
From the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Commissioner Joan Mikula also spoke at the beginning of the evening about mental health issues in Norfolk County.
Commissioner Mikula stressed one important detail: mental health and substance abuse issues can impact people of all ages. Representative Garlick and the panel reinforced that notion with the three scenarios they would be discussing.
After reminding the community that the stories actually transpired in Needham, Rep. Garlick described a 16-year-old’s birthday party where two girls suffered from alcohol poisoning, despite parents and college-aged chaperones being present.
“One safety aspect I cannot emphasize enough is that if you are concerned about a person, know it is always better to call 911 and ask questions after,” reminded Dr. Stern.
Katy Colthart also reminded parents and guardians that they are responsible for the partygoers under their roof. While the parents may fear an encounter with the police, they are liable for the children at the party and must consider the guests’ safety first and foremost.
Representative Garlick told another story, which involved a middle school student afflicted with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. This boy, who is involved with a “bad crowd,” substituted his medication for marijuana and his grandmother’s pain medicine.
Nick Morris-Kliment discussed how spirituality could help a person struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, and how strengthening one’s faith could consequently lead them to a path of recovery. Morris-Kliment also presented himself as a trusted individual for members of the community facing these issues to confide in.
Addressing the grandmother’s missing pills was Jessica Moss from the Council on Aging, who showed the audience one of the many drug lock boxes that exist to ensure that one’s medication is safe from those who may abuse it.
To ensure that the discussion addressed a variety of age groups, Rep. Garlick’s final story featured a lonesome 80-year-old man abusing prescription painkillers and anxiety medication.
Jessica reminded those in attendance that concerned neighbors, friends, and family members can reach out to the Council on Aging on behalf of a senior who may need help from the community.
“When we hear these stories in the news, they seem like they’re distant from us,” said Rep. Garlick, assuring all that it is critical to discuss the issues of substance abuse and mental health. “But in every home in Needham, there is a concern of this issue, where someone is either anxious about mental health or substance abuse issues, or they are dealing with those issues, or recovering from those issues.”
