MEMBERS Charles Kokoros, Chairman Paul “Dan” Clifford, Vice-Chairman Shannon Hume Michael Owens Braintree Town Council Sean Powers, Ex-Officio Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic One JFK Memorial Drive Braintree, Massachusetts 02184

Wednesday, MAY 18, 2016 MINUTES

A meeting of the Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic was held in the Cahill Auditorium on May 18, 2016 beginning at 6:30pm.

Chairman Kokoros was in the Chair.

Clerk of the Council, Susan Cimino, conducted the roll call.

Present: Charles Kokoros, Chairman Paul “Dan” Clifford, Vice-Chairman Shannon Hume Michael Owens Not Present: Sean Powers, Ex-Officio

Also Present: Maura Papile, Sr. Director of Student Support for Quincy Public Schools Kristin Houlihan, Nurse at North Quincy High School Kerrianne Hart, Health Interventionist at Quincy Schools Rita Bailey, Nurse Coordinator for Quincy Public Schools Ryan Herlihy, Health Interventionist at North Quincy High School Jennifer Fay-Bears, Asst. Superintendent of Braintree Public Schools Laurie Melchionda, Braintree Public Schools Melony Bennett, Braintree Public Schools Kate Naughton, School Committee Robyn Houston-Bean, resident Peter Thompson, resident

There was a moment of silence for all those serving in our armed services, past and present, and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Approval of Minutes • None

May 18, 2016 Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic 1 of 4

New Business • 027 16 Councilor Clifford: "An Obligation to Lead", from the MMA Municipal Opioid Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force, The “Call to Action” is a Clarion call for leaders to take specific actions and implement innovative programs based on local needs.

A. Discussion with Quincy Public Schools on the Opioid Epidemic

Chairman Kokoros read a pamphlet to get free legal assistance with Section 35 petitions [email protected] or call (844)843-6221. Chairman Kokoros also stated there are Grief Support Meetings the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm-8:30pm at Town Hall. Call 781-789-4604 for more information.

Councilor Hume stated there is a facebook page (be sure to like the page) and twitter account for the Town Council’s Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilOpioidCommittee/ https://twitter.com/OpioidCommittee

Councilor Clifford read the Mission Statement and Scope Statement.

I. Our Mission and Scope Statements describe what the Braintree Town Council’s Special Opioid/Heroin Local Action Committee is charged. It is confined to the Massachusetts Municipal Association task force report, “An Opportunity to Lead” and its 10 identified opportunities as seen on pages 5-10.

a. Our Mission is to assist, seek, expedite and recommend PREVENTION (Deterrents and Education) and Public Safety initiatives, and identify potential funding gaps/needs to implement local actions and initiatives, including the rising resource demands in the battle against Opioid/Heroin addiction. All, new or adopted, local initiatives will have clear attainable goals and objectives and will be tracked, measured for success and reported.

b. Scope Statement: This Special Committee will facilitate meetings with Municipal leaders of whom have established and implemented specific “Best Practices” and those of our community of whom have roles and responsibilities to aggressively find ways to expand our PREVENTION practices through deterrence and education at all levels, including youth sports, K-12 Health and Wellness Curriculum Education reform; (Department of Education (DOE), not since 1999 has the Public Education Frame Work been reviewed or changed to address this Health and Public Safety crisis), the Braintree Youth Center, Braintree Community Drug Partnership, police, fire, school leaders, health professionals, legislative leaders, municipal solicitors, school nurses, veteran’s groups/agents, recovery houses, town recreation programs, sheriff’s offices, youth services, MMA Task Force, and others, as appropriate.

May 18, 2016 Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic 2 of 4

The Quincy Public Schools Approach to Substance Abuse Prevention & Intervention presentation was given to the Opioid Committee. Maura Papile, Sr. Director of Student Support for Quincy Public Schools started by speaking on the Thompson family and their dedication to helping students and families and wanting people to know his son Ryan and how he lived and how he died.

Rita Bailey, Nurse Coordinator for Quincy Public Schools spoke on Narcan. Ryan Herlihy, Health Interventionist at North Quincy High School and Kerrianne Hart, Health Interventionist at Quincy Schools during the Grade 9 Freshman seminar they teach wellness and how to respond in certain situations. They teach by scenarios about the developing brain and alcohol and marijuana. They speak on illegal drug use and addiction.

Kristin Houlihan, Nurse at North Quincy High School spoke about the SADD program (Students Against Destructive Decisions). SADD works to promote positive healthy behaviors within and outside of our schools. Ms. Houlihan stated the schools makes a calendar each September and an event takes place constantly. Every Monday is “Mentor Monday” where Homeroom takes place in the middle of the day. It is an opportunity for the mentor and mentees to meet and connect. The mentors have to do community service before they graduate. The one on one mentors send text messages to kids when they are not in school to see if they can help. At year end we ask the kids what worked and what they want to hear more about and what did not work.

Councilor Owens asked at what age would you begin Opioid specific education. Mr. Herlihy stated elementary school. We need to educate how it affects you and your family and about addictive personalities. I tell the kids you will be faced with choices. You need to make good choices. I run a guys group. We talk about what’s in the media and then also ask if they like the programs we run. Ms. Houlihan asked if Braintree speaks to kids because they will speak to you and let you know what they want to get information about. Maura Papile stated we also survey the kid’s right after we have an event to get feedback. We have the Thompson family and our Mayor’s office that helps fund our events. The DA’s office offers to teach Life Skills Cirriculum.

Councilor Hume asked how to get more people to attend night events. The reply was free t-shirts. Councilor Hume stated Braintree once offered free homework passes.

Councilor Clifford asked how do you measure success. Maura Papile stated we have over 200 SADD members and we get data back from kids feedback.

Councilor Kokoros stated we do have the Mentoring Program here in Braintree in both middle schools.

May 18, 2016 Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic 3 of 4

Old Business None

It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting

• 027 16 Councilor Clifford: "An Obligation to Lead", from the MMA Municipal Opioid Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force, The “Call to Action” is a Clarion call for leaders to take specific actions and implement innovative programs based on local needs.

• Misson Statement and Scope Statement

May 18, 2016 Special Committee on the Opioid Epidemic 4 of 4