Spotlight
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.
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 and slides using the below links.
Webinar Topic: Vaping Trends & Cessation Support Webinar
Webinar Recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6YsrEp371kxJULPizlnddPMxPZbHX6a81yhM-_EPnRtFBX9dBPMiDA1MlwY8iMte
Webinar Slides:
Slides_for_Vaping_Trends_Cessation_Support_Webinar_5.13.20.pdf
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.
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
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
For updates, visit trusted sites
The Reading Police Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and is working closely with the Town Manager, Fire Department, Superintendent of Schools, Emergency Management Director and local public health officials.
Public safety is our primary responsibility and we will always respond immediately to 911 emergencies and urgent calls for service. In order to continue providing the best police services to the Town of Reading and its citizens, the Reading Police Department will be limiting our face-to-face interactions when possible. Officials are concerned with the health and well-being of our staff as well as the public we serve. As this virus continues to spread, the main goal is to maintain a healthy police force for the continuation of services without resorting to contingency plans.
Reading Police Department is suspending walk-in services as they pertain to fingerprinting, VIN checks, records requests, non-violent past offenses, medication drop-off, compost stickers, etc.
Resident stickers will no longer be available from dispatch. You must go to the second floor of the station and see one of the administrative assistants, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check or exact cash only. Please call or email the police department for any records requests. Records Division: publicrecordsrequestrpd@ci.reading.ma.us, 781-942-6769.
For firearm licenses that are going to expire, please email the Armorer at LTC@ci.reading.ma.us and you will receive an extension letter covering you during this hold period. Officials are asking new applicants to wait to apply until the COVID-19 situation is over. For those that are renewing, most steps in the renewal process can be done online or through the mail.
Walk-in service for non-emergencies is suspended and we ask that you call the police station instead. As a temporary change, non-emergency matters may be reported over the phone to 781-944-1212 (#0) and an officer will be assigned to follow-up with you. This applies to a variety of less serious offenses that are NOT IN PROGRESS. In these cases, officers may utilize email for statements or photos needed for the report.
As always, if reporting an emergency, please dial 911. If it is determined that a response by an officer is warranted please understand that they are likely to keep a “safe distance” and unlikely to shake hands, etc. Again, this is out of an abundance of caution to keep our staff and the public safe and not an indicator of the officers’ friendliness or willingness to help.
Rest assured, that help is there for you as you would expect. Only temporary changes are being made to the way that services are provided, while being committed to the same excellent service that our community deserves.
Due to current events, the Reading Police Department will NOT allow medication drop off. If you would like a disposal packet that you can use at home to dissolve your medications, please contact emcnamara@ci.reading.ma.us with your name and mailing address and number of bottles to be disposed.
Help reduce prescription drug misuse.
- Store/lock any remaining bottles safely & away from children/teens
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
Learn more about the service at Interface_Reading_and_What_to_Expect_When_You_Call.pdf
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