CAASA Drop-In Centers open to all
By GuestSubmitted by Harriet Burak, CAASA member
The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) was started in 2013 to address youth substance abuse. Meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at the Canton Fire Department on Revere Street. Any resident interested in getting involved is welcome to attend. Led by Fire Chief Charles Doody, chairman, and Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, vice chairman, CAASA is composed of Canton residents, school personnel, and representatives from a number of other town departments.
Area treatment centers have tables on display at CAASA’s monthly Drop-In Centers.
Prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery is what CAASA is all about. Obviously, the goal is prevention — keeping drugs out of the hands and lives of our children; however, the reality is that drugs have found their way into so many lives and the need is for intervention, treatment and recovery. The Drop-In Center is CAASA’s attempt to help in that regard.
On the second Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m., the Drop-In Center is held in the Fellowship Hall at the Congregational Church of Canton, located at 1541 Washington Street. The center is staffed by CAASA members as well as volunteers from a number of area treatment centers and a paid professional nurse who specializes in intervention. Some of the treatment centers represented include Spectrum, NE Recovery Centers, Norcap, Gilly’s House, and Bournewood Hospital. Free intervention kits and Naloxone (Narcan) are available for those in need, and Narcan training will be given at one of our upcoming meetings.
This is a place that definitely offers a judgment-free zone. Through volunteers, not only is help provided to those who are looking for it, but an open table is also offered. Our last meeting offered delicious homemade minestrone soup as well as delicious pick-up pastries thanks to the generosity of our members. This is a perfect venue for families, those fighting the disease of addiction, those just wanting to learn more about CAASA, and those who want to help others.
That last meeting had everything available; however, the most important component was missing. No one came who was looking for help and that is the reason that we are there. I know from firsthand experience how difficult it is to admit that you need help. My son, Michael, who fought the disease of addiction, for so many years refused to admit that he needed help. Sadly, back in 2004 when Michael was battling the disease, there were very few places for him to turn. Now the doors are opening and the disease is beginning to come “out of the closet,” and yet the stigma is still there for many of those who face the illness. It is too late for my son, but not for others.
Please drop by our center and see for yourself. Spread the word to anyone you know who may be in need. Post the information on your social media account. The more information that gets out there, the better chance that we will reach someone in need.
The next two Drop-In Centers will be held on November 14 and December 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Canton. We will be there. Will you?
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=43740
Posted by Guest
on Oct 26 2018. Filed under Featured Content.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
