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Press Release

Press Release  Town Halls to be Held this Fall to Discuss Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Caregivers Raising Children

Attorney General Maura Healey Joins with the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren to Provide Resources and Support for Families
For immediate release:
9/19/2016
  • Office of Attorney General Maura Healey

Media Contact

Jillian Fennimore

Boston — Looking to discuss the impact of substance use on families, and provide support for grandparents and other kinship caregivers raising children, Attorney General Maura Healey has joined with the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in holding eight town halls throughout the state this fall.

With the rapid rise in opioid use and opioid-related deaths in recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of grandparent and kinship caregivers stepping up to raise children who have been impacted by this crisis. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of children cared for by relatives in Massachusetts has increased by more than 50 percent.

During these town halls, the Commission and the AG’s Office will hear from grandparents and other caregivers about how substance use has impacted their lives and the children they are raising, and learn about the issues that are important to them. The AG’s Office and the Commission will also provide resources for treatment and family support services, and share information about the work the offices are doing to combat the opioid epidemic.

Fall 2016 town halls will be held on the following dates:

Pittsfield, MA

Monday, Sept. 26

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Ralph Froio Senior Center

330 North Street, Pittsfield, MA

Westfield, MA

Thursday, Oct. 6

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Westfield Senior Center

45 Noble Street, Westfield, MA

Worcester, MA

Thursday, Oct. 13

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Worcester Senior Center

128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA

Greenfield, MA

Monday, Oct. 17

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Greenfield Community College

1 College Drive, Greenfield, MA

Lowell, MA

Tuesday, Oct. 25

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Middlesex Community College, F. Bradford Morse Federal Building

50 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA

Dartmouth, MA

Wednesday, Nov. 2

5:00-7:00 p.m.

UMASS Dartmouth School of Law

333 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA

Bourne, MA

Wednesday, Nov. 9

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Bourne Senior Center

239 Main Street, Bourne, MA

Boston, MA

Tuesday, Nov. 15

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Grove Hall Community Center

51 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, MA

Each session will include brief presentations from the Commission and the AG’s Office and an open forum for kinship caregivers to share their experiences and to make suggestions. After the presentations, staff from local resource centers and service providers will be on hand to meet attendees and provide additional information.

The Commission serves as a resource to the Commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising children. More information about the Commission can be found online.

Those interested in attending can contact Colleen Pritoni at the Commission, 617-748-2454. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Media are welcome to attend.

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Media Contact

  • Office of the Attorney General 

    Attorney General Maura Healey is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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