WESTFIELD – Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion said that the first in a series of community action forums on heroin abuse is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at Westfield High School. The forum, which is open to parents, students and members of the community, will include an informational movie and a question and answer segment.
“We’ll meet monthly, if not bi-weekly, with a different theme each time,” Scallion said.
The forums will focus on prevention, treatment, the legal system, and the impact on families.
“I’m sure we’re going to identify more themes as we go,” Scallion said.
Referring to the theme of Governor Charles Baker’s opiod working group, #StateWithoutStigMA, she said that heroin is a disease that cannot be judged.
“It can hit any family anytime,” Scallion said. “The addict does not choose to be addicted. I applaud the governor for putting It on his agenda.”
She also commended Rep. John Velis for his involvement in the issue.
Scallion said the forums will also bring in medical professionals to speak about the effects of heroin on the body and the need for more beds locally for treatment, and for more long-term treatment. The schools are equipped with Narcan, and health professionals are trained to use it, but she has concerns about putting too much reliance on the drug.
“It does create a false sense of security,” Scallion said, especially if someone isn’t there who knows how to use it. “We’ve got to do everything we can to get heroin off the streets.”
Scallion said she wanted to commend the entire district crisis team, and in particular Drug Counselor Kristine Hupfer and School Adjustment Counselor Carrie Fiordalice, for how they handled the recent loss of Westfield High School student Lillian Anderson. She said the team showed compassion and deep caring when the crisis came, and also supported one another.
“It’s draining and emotionally devastating to lose a student,” she said.
Counseling will continue to be available to students, and the school will continue to reach out to families.
“We’re just part of the overall community focus on this,” said Scallion, who attended the Mayor’s summit Feb. 10 on heroin and opioid deaths that included law enforcement, first responders, school and state officials, and educators.
“Mayor Brian Sullivan pulled this committee together immediately,” she noted.
She said the police are doing a great job in arresting dealers, but sentencing has to follow.
“It’s very discouraging to know that a dealer is out on the streets within hours of sentencing,” she said.
Scallion emphasized that this is a community problem that requires community solutions, action and outrage.
“Westfield has got to get outraged and say, `no dope in our community,’” she said.
