Spotlight
We are thrilled to welcome Krystal Mellonakos-Garay as the new Outreach Coordinator for the Reading Coalition. Ms. Mellonakos will transition to her new role on October 4, 2021 and will begin her training in substance abuse prevention with the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at the Reading Police Department.
Ms. Mellonakos previously served as a RESPOND Inc. Certified Domestic Violence Counselor with the Woburn, Wilmington and Reading Police Departments. Her work with RESPOND Inc. focused on working directly with law enforcement personnel to follow-up with victims of domestic violence incidents. She supported victims including conducting high risk assessments, safety planning and court navigation services. She served as Case Manager for victims providing emotional support, housing assistance and referrals to services.
Prior to her placement at RESPOND Inc., Ms. Mellonakos worked for Alternative House as a Youth/Teen Advocate. Her time at Alternative House was spent working with children of domestic violence survivors living in their residential shelter. Before entering the field of social services, Ms. Mellonakos worked as an Assistant International Student and Scholar Advisor at Northeastern University.
Ms. Mellonakos is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs in May of 2019 from Northeastern University. During her undergraduate program, she participated in two internships and one volunteer experience abroad. Ms. Mellonakos worked in the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston, Massachusetts as an Intern in 2018. She aided the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s with preparing for trial and translated for Spanish speaking victims of crime. In 2017, she worked as an Intern with the International Institute of New England in Boston, assisting newly admitted refugees with obtaining employment. In 2017, she also volunteered at a non-profit organization that provided after school services to children living in low income households in Brazil.
The Reading Coalition Annual Meeting on 9/29/2021 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School celebrated our regional partners including Eliot Community Human Services, Mystic Valley HUB Team, MA Department of Mental Health and Melrose-Wakefield Inpatient Psychiatric Unit for their collaboration with the Coalition on the supporting the mental health needs of local residents. View the program and photos below:
Today is a day to especially consider those families that have dealt with the overwhelming experience of overdose. Today, the Reading Coalition is thinking of those we have lost and those that have survived. The disease of addiction brutally takes apart lives and families. Yet, the community of recovery can bring such joy and strength. Thinking of all the families that are on this journey.
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting organizations, groups and clubs that have connected the Reading community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about Interview 6 featuring Ellen Richards, Student Leader and Sharon Burke, Advisor for the RMHS Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club.
The interview can be viewed on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfBXTUzdMdE
Our goal is to both celebrate the work that has been done to strengthen our community and continue to raise awareness about community resources so residents can access support if needed. Special thank you to our TV Host and Advisory Board Member, Sherri VandenAkker!
The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) just released a summary document of technical assistance links for communities. The webinars are recorded so they can be replayed and are also linked to written summaries.
SAMHSA is committed to providing regular training and technical assistance (TTA) on matters related to the mental and substance use disorder field as they deal with COVID-19.
See below for recent press describing the electrical/flooding challenges that displaced residents from the Washington Apartments. A fundraiser has been set up to assist residents over the next few months. Please share this info with your networks. Thank you!
Article describing the fund set up to support the displaced http://thereadingpost.com/2021/07/21/emergency-relief-fund-established-to-aid-victims-displaced-from-general-washington-apartments/
Direct link for donations to Reading Coop https://readingcoop.com/charitable
Coverage about the situation (video) https://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/dozens-displaced-after-apartment-flood-in-reading/2443035/
Brief coverage of the situation https://whdh.com/news/dozens-displaced-after-rainwater-seeps-into-reading-apartment-building-causes-electrical-problems/#.YP73OJeeIoM.facebook
Describes the situation and fundraiser (includes press release from the Town of Reading) https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading/emergency-relief-fund-established-aid-victims-displaced-flood-general
Additional coverage from July 27 https://www.nbcboston.com/on-air/as-seen-on/dozens-displaced-after-apartment-flood-in-reading/2443035/
Episode 5: RCTV Community Connections, Reading Coalition
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting those that have connected our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch Interview 5 featuring Deputy Chief Christine Amendola and Community Services Officer Kristin O'Shaughnessy of the Reading Police Department. Special thanks to our TV Host, Sherri VandenAkker. Watch https://www.facebook.com/112950365451238/videos/188813176606781 Or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTKOLpSkADQ\
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting organizations, groups and clubs that have connected the Reading community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about Interview 4 featuring Sherri VandenAkker, Pandemic Peace & Promise Photo Project and Reading Cultural Council Grantee. Visit https://www.readingma.gov/cultural-council
The interview can be viewed on https://fb.watch/6VnccPfOSc/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VccYktNuT_8
Our goal is to both celebrate the work that has been done to strengthen our community and continue to raise awareness about community resources so residents can access support if needed. Special thank you to our TV Guest Host for this episode, Megan Fidler-Carey!
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting organizations, groups and clubs that have connected the Reading community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about Interview 3 featuring Pastor Jamie Michaels (Old South Church) and Phyliss Maxwell, Co-Coordinator, of the Reading Food Pantry at Old South. Visit www.readingfoodpantry.com
The interview can be viewed on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
Check out the story from The Reading Post https://thereadingpost.com/2021/07/23/community-connections-reading-food-pantry/
Our goal is to both celebrate the work that has been done to strengthen our community and continue to raise awareness about community resources so residents can access support if needed. Special thank you to our TV Host and Advisory Board Member, Sherri VandenAkker!
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting organizations, groups and clubs that have connected the Reading community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about Interview 2 featuring Andrea Scullin, Regional Director of the Lasagna Love. Visit Lasagna Love at https://lasagnalove.org/
The interview can be viewed on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Read about it at https://thereadingpost.com/2021/07/19/community-connections-lasagna-love/
Our goal is to both celebrate the work that has been done to strengthen our community and continue to raise awareness about community resources so residents can access support if needed. Special thank you to our TV Host and Advisory Board Member, Sherri VandenAkker!
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, in partnership with RCTV, is hosting a series called COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS highlighting organizations, groups and clubs that have connected the Reading community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn about Interview 1 featuring Amy Lannon, Director of the Reading Public Library. Visit the library website at https://www.readingpl.org/
View the article and watch the show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_ydmPZ9e8
Our goal is to both celebrate the work that has been done to strengthen our community and continue to raise awareness about community resources so residents can access support if needed. Special thank you to our TV Host and Advisory Board Member, Sherri VandenAkker!
In May, the coalition staff was invited by the Doble LeBranti Financial Group to lead a webinar for parents/caregivers of teens on youth mental health and substance use. We loved having the opportunity to discuss this important topic!
View a recording of our presentation here: https://www.doblelebranti.com/resources/blog/item/todays-parent-drugs-and-alcohol.html?fbclid=IwAR2-ACsFxijlWslEgHq7mk2avTjpFmWmqj-PNYH8p5skILri3Kk6M9lgQHU
Learn more about the service at Interface_Reading_and_What_to_Expect_When_You_Call.pdf
Interface Flyers in Multiple Languages
interface-chinese-reading-100520.pdf
interface-Haitian-Creole-reading-100520.pdf
interface-espanol-reading-100520.pdf
interface-portuguese-reading-100520.pdf
INTERFACE_Flyer-_Japanese_45.pdf
The Mass Department of Mental Health released a children’s book called Different Kinds of Hurt: Isaac’s Story. This graphic novel explores “different kinds of hurt” and follows a conversation between Isaac, who went to the hospital to seek treatment for anxiety, and his classmate, who went to the hospital for treatment for a broken leg. This story is a great tool to start talking about mental health needs with students at a young age.
In addition to the physical book, DMH also released a short video of Isaac’s Story and has provided an accompanying worksheet and discussion questions. The video, worksheet, and discussion questions can be accessed for free here.
The Reading Coalition ordered physical copies of Isaac’s Story for the library and all elementary schools in Reading.
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support has partnered with Doc Wayne to bring an exciting youth therapeutic program to Reading students ages 5-18. If you are looking for individual therapy for your child or are interested in learning more about group therapy, please join Doc Wayne and the Reading Coalition for a virtual information session.
Sessions will be hosted on:
• Tuesday February 2nd, 7:00-7:30PM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83625231000?pwd=dk5PMWlPZVJzdHdudjYzOEFqZjRIUT09
• Thursday February 4th, 12:00-12:30PM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81745519753?pwd=OGViZG1ucFpEVUU3Q0ZtWVY0MmJIQT09
Using a theoretical curriculum, which incorporates social-emotional learning and life skills, Doc Wayne offers innovative mental health programming. In addition to traditional individual therapy, Doc Wayne offers unique group therapeutic programs. Through these groups students:
• Have the opportunity and needed supports to become resilient and regulated individuals with positive adult and peer relationships
• Create positive relationships with teammates, friends, and family members
• Become confident and competent members of their schools and larger communities
• Achieve their highest level of academic success
All of Doc Wayne’s programming is being offered via telehealth due to COVID-19.
Contact Samantha Salkin, Outreach Coordinator for more information at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us
Press_Release.Doc_Wayne_Therapeutic_Support_for_Reading.2.1.21.pdf
The Reading Police Department will resume medication drop off on February 1, 2021 in the green disposal box in the lobby of 15 Union St. We encourage residents to bring back controlled substances only (please no 'over the counter' medications at this time). Masks are required for entrance to the lobby.
Additional disposal options:
1. If you would like a disposal packet that you can use at home to dissolve your medications, please contact Samantha Salkin, ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us with your name and mailing address and number of bottles to be disposed.
2. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has partnered with the Med-Project to provide an easy way for Massachusetts residents to dispose of unwanted medications. Residents can easily request a free, pre-paid mail-back envelope sent directly to their home for safe and secure disposal of unwanted medications. Learn more here: https://med-project.org/locations/massachusetts/
Please help reduce prescription drug misuse by storing/locking any remaining bottles safely & away from children/teens.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has partnered with the Med-Project to provide an easy way for Massachusetts residents to dispose of unwanted medications. Residents can easily request a free, pre-paid mail-back envelope sent directly to their home for safe and secure disposal of unwanted medications. Learn more here: https://med-project.org/locations/massachusetts/
Check out the latest Substance Misuse Resource List 2020_Final_RC_Yellow_SA_Resource_List_7.10.20.pdf
Check out the latest Mental Health Resource List 2020_Final_RC_Blue_MH_Resource_List.7.10.20.pdf
Check out our short video on keeping our kids safe
Find out how to support your child’s social and emotional needs.
Quick tips to empower our kids!
Wondering about screen time and your kids?
Kevin Kozin, LICSW, shares his motto with us: Never worry alone.
#connectandcope
#covid19
Brought to by the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition serving Medford, Malden, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester.
Self-care & anxiety
Anxiety is normal. Recognize and respond to it.
Any of these sound familiar to you and your family?
Take a minute to take care.
#connectandcope #covid19
Brought to by the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition serving Medford, Malden, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester.
Check out this important conversation on talking to kids about race and racism from SPARK Kindness!
Feeling low? Empower yourself with these helpful tips!
Be empowered and make a plan to manage your anxiety (for you and your kids), check out Empowerment vs. helplessness
Learn more about mapping out a plan to address anxiety.
#connectandcope #covid19
Brought to by the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition serving Medford, Malden, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester.
In June the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition made several generous donations to the public libraries in all towns served by the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition. These donations consisted of books for readers of all ages focusing on managing mental health concerns, substance use prevention, self-care, and racial equity.
The books were purchased from local book shops in each community. As part of the donation, the Reading Public Library received 18 books! All these titles (and more!) will be available soon to be borrowed from our library. Thank you to the MVPHC for their generosity and to the RPL staff for continuing to support the Reading community!
Check out the latest recorded webinar entitled "Managing Anxiety for You and Your Family During Reopening."
This conversation focused on managing anxiety for you and your family during reopening. Our guest panelists addressed issues around anxiety, ethical decision making during the reopening phases, self-care strategies, and talking to your children about alcohol use.
Listen to the recording and feel free to share with others. And, go here for the resources shared and more. A huge thank you to our moderator, Ivy Jones-Turner, and our presenter, Kevin Kozin, MTS, LICSW!
Also, please email eparsons@cityofmelrose.org and let us know if there are other topics you are interested in hearing more about!
Learn more at www.mysticvalleypublichealth.org/connectandcope/
View the Healthy Teen Dating Webinar hosted by the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support on Tuesday, June 16th.
Slides: FINAL_Supporting_Healthy_Teen_Dating_Relationships_Webinar.pdf
Webinar Focus: Supporting young people in developing healthy dating relationships is an essential part of positive youth development. This webinar, created for parents and caregivers, will:
-Discuss strategies to promote healthy teen dating
-Provide guidance on how to talk to young people about healthy dating
-Explain teen dating violence (i.e. what is it, what does it look like)
-Provide strategies on how to recognize and intervene in an unhealthy teen dating relationship
-Share healthy dating resources available to the Reading community
Presenters:
Zoe Sachs, Community Intervention and Education Coordinator, RESPOND Inc.- Working to End Domestic Violence
Erica McNamara, MPH, Director, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support
Samantha Salkin, BAPH, Outreach Coordinator, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support
The new Massachusetts tobacco law, An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, goes into effect on June 1, 2020. Learn more about the legal changes here and MA_Tobacco_Law_2.Effective_June_1_2020.png
Help for those who want to quit vaping, smoking or using other tobacco products is available for FREE at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and KeepTryingMA.org.
For more information on vaping and smoking cessation support, view a recording of our Vaping Trends & Cessation Support Webinar available below. For questions and support on quitting vaping and smoking, please contact Samantha Salkin, Reading Coalition Outreach Coordinator, at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us.
To learn more about how this new law will protect youth from nicotine addiction and fight the tobacco industry’s targeting of youth, LGBTQ+ populations, and communities of color, contact Ashley Hall, MS from the Northeast Tobacco-Free Community Partnership at ashley.hall@glfhc.org.
View the campaign Dear_Mysty_COVID_Campaign_Connect_and_Cope.pdf or at
www.mysticvalleypublichealth.org/connectandcope
Got a question or concern for Mysty? Email mvroapgmail.com
Got a question or concern for Mysty? Email mvroapgmail.com
The Reading Coalition and Lotus Health Education LLC in partnership with the Reading Public Schools hosted a live webinar on May 13, 2020 on Vaping Trends & Cessation Support. If you weren’t able to make it, or are interested in reviewing the information we shared, you can view a recording of the webinar using the below link.
Webinar Topic: Vaping Trends & Cessation Support Webinar
Webinar Recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6YsrEp371kxJULPizlnddPMxPZbHX6a81yhM-_EPnRtFBX9dBPMiDA1MlwY8iMte
If you have any questions about the material covered, or are looking for resources for yourself or a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact Samantha Salkin, Outreach Coordinator. She is happy to assist your family in connecting with the appropriate supports.
Webinar Panelists:
Samantha Salkin, BAPH, Outreach Coordinator, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us,
Kathleen G. O’Leary RN, MS, FNP-BC, NP-C, CTTS, Founder/CEO Lotus Health Education, lotushealthedllc@gmail.com
Special thanks to the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition for sponsoring this webinar via Zoom.
If so, ask a pharmacist today about getting Naloxone. Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids. It could also save a life. It’s available in a few forms. It’s easy to use and training is available if you want it.
Carry Naloxone Save a Life Call 911
How to Provide An Anonymous Tip
You can provide an anonymous tip to the Reading Police Department by texting the keyword READINGPD and a message to 847411 (tip411). Alternatively, you can click here and provide a tip through an anonymous online form. Provide as much information with as much detail as possible. The images above give a good example of what is required for a proper response. The anonymous tip service has been extremely effective since its debut in 2011.
Is it Really Anonymous?
Yes, please be assured that all tips are completely anonymous as they are pruned of all identifying information by Citizen Observer, a leading provider in anonymous tip services nationwide. Questions regarding how this pruning process works should be directed at the company directly by calling (888) 952-2200 or by visiting their website by clicking here.
https://www.readingma.gov/police-department/pages/provide-an-anonymous-tip
Network of Care Massachusetts, is a comprehensive, searchable directory that includes more than 5,000 mental health, substance use, and related social services programs and organizations across the Commonwealth. For each listing, users can find a program description and contact information, as well as information on populations served, relevant eligibility and fee information, and more.
Learn more at www.massachusetts.networkofcare.org.
Learn about the Phoenix and their virtual wellness supports. This free sober active community has inspired more than 26,000 people across America to believe they have the strength to rise from the ashes of addiction through the support of those who are walking that very same path. The only membership fee is 48 hours of continuous sobriety. Learn more at https://thephoenix.org/virtual/
Wondering if your teen needs treatment?
HELP IS AVAILABLE
www.HelplineMA.org
HOPE IS HERE.
800-327-5050
Youth and young adults services:
• Outpatient counseling
• Detox programs
• Residential programs
• Recovery high schools
• Medication-assisted treatment
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health
MA Department of Public Health
BSAS Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
Prevent • Treat • Recover • For Life