READING — Police Chief David Clark and Director Erica Maillet would like to invite the community to join the Reading Police Department, the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support and the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition as they recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.
The event will feature the coalition’s expanded Storywalk exhibit about the impact of substance use in the region.
WHEN:
Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Reading Town Common, 16 Lowell St., Reading
WHO:
Erica Maillet, Coalition Director
WHAT:
Reading Police, the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, and the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition will come together to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day in Reading.
Speakers will include Director Erica Maillet of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support.
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to facilitate a better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug misuse. The IOAD 2024 theme, “Together we can,” highlights the power of our community when we all stand together.
At the event and for the week following, the coalition invites the community to view the regional story-gathering exhibit — A Walk to Remember — on the Town Common. Stories from around the region (Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester) will be displayed to remember those lost to substance misuse and suicide. Two new story displays will be featured at the 2024 event. The first display focuses on prevention and ways to talk with young people about substance use. The second display focuses on the power of recovery from substance use.
To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, visit https://www.overdoseday.com/.
About The Reading Coalition
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, formerly known as RCASA, was established in 2006 in Reading. The coalition started as a town, police, school, and community initiative focused on improving collaboration and reducing substance use. Today the coalition, funded under the Reading Police Department, offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Visit the Coalition at https://www.readingma.gov/763/Reading-Coalition-for-Prevention-and-Sup. Follow the Coalition on Instagram, like it on Facebook
About the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition (MVPHC)
MVPHC connects Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester. Together, the Coalition collaborates on important prevention initiatives to support its communities. Find more info at https://www.mysticvalleyphc.org/.
Here is our video from 2022’s event:
