Smash The Stigma 413

In 2017 I started Smash The Stigma 413. It was started because I was sick of people dying from a treatable illness. I was sick of the lack of access to treatment services and supports in our area.

I chose the word Smash with intent. Yes, it has a violent overtone. Again, it was chosen with intent because back then, same as today, I am well past the point of having a polite conversation about stigma. Our new logo was designed by a relative of Dan Root, who died from a very preventable overdose, and was a huge reason why I started this to begin with.

Silence equals death. Silence is an affirmation of the status quo.

We are going to Smash The Stigma. We are not going to be quiet. We are not going to accept anything less than equitable services. We are going to rise up and ensure ANYONE seeking help can find it WHEN THEY SEEK IT. No more hiding in church basements. No more shame. No more stigma.

Sincerely,

Gary Pratt
Founder

After having searched as well as I can, I cannot find one reference to substance use, the overdose crisis, or lack of SUD treatment or recovery options from ANY of the candidates for 3rd Berkshire District Representative. It's almost as if they either don't care or stigma is affecting their words, or should I say, lack there of.

It's appalling.

Check the most current opioid overdose statistics below.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/opioid-related-overdose-deaths-among-ma-residents-december-2023/download

TOMORROWS SMASH THE STIGMA EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE FORECAST OF HEAVY RAIN.

We have set a date for Smash The Stigma 2023!

October 21, 2023

Details soon. We need planners and volunteers!

This 🐴 💩 needs to stop. Stigma kills.

Cops say they're being poisoned by fentanyl. Experts say the risk is 'extremely low' Police officers regularly report being poisoned or overdosing after encountering trace amounts of fentanyl on the job. Experts say it's not happening.

Recovery Coach wanted! — Rural Recovery Rural Recovery www.rural-recovery.org POSITION TITLE: Recovery Coach Location: South County Recovery Center 67 State Road Great Barrington, MA Position: Full-time Compensation: $34,000-$40,000 Special Benefits: Berkshire Passport ($1000 annually for cultural, wellness, outdoor or fitness

I'm sure they'd be fine with a bar that serves up the liquid drug alcohol.

Community groups, police union are mobilizing against a proposed supervised injection site as negotiations continue The ratcheting up of anxiety suggests that even if Safehouse can reach a deal with the Justice Department more battles loom in the campaign for widespread public support.

Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects many individuals and families around the world. The stigma surrounding addiction can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need, and can also contribute to a lack of understanding and support within society.

To Smash The Stigma of addiction, it's important to start by educating ourselves and others about the realities of addiction. This means understanding that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing or a choice. It's also important to recognize that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background, and that seeking help for addiction is a brave and necessary step.

Another way to Smash The Stigma of addiction is to promote empathy and compassion towards those who are struggling with addiction. This means avoiding judgement and instead offering support and understanding. It's important to recognize that addiction is a difficult and often painful experience, and those who are struggling with it need our help and encouragement.

Finally, we can work to reduce the shame and isolation that often accompany addiction. This means creating safe spaces where individuals can share their experiences and connect with others who understand what they're going through. It also means recognizing that addiction is just one aspect of a person's identity, and that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

By working together to Smash The Stigma of addiction, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society, and help more people to get the help they need to overcome addiction and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Rural Recovery seeks donations for South County Recovery Center sign — Rural Recovery SCRC sign mock-up

South County Drug Take-Back and Sharps Disposal locations - Google My Maps Medicine take back options are the best way to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and nonprescription (for example, over the counter) medicines. Before disposing of prescription medicines, be sure to remove all personal information on pill bottle labels and medicine packaging. All of y...

We officially opened on June 11, 2022. In just this short period, we have already provided services to over 350 individuals. The South County Recovery Center is a safe space where ANYONE who is affected by substance use can feel welcome, never be judged, and either get or be connected to whatever help they may need. The Center has filled a tremendous gap in South Berkshire County and it's only through the help of our community that we've been able to do so. If you can make a financial contribution, that's great and we welcome it! But, we also recognize the most valuable of all giving, your time. If you're interested in volunteering please email [email protected] or just drop in Monday, Wednesday, or Friday 10am-4:30pm

https://www.rural-recovery.org/donate

South County Recovery Center seeks volunteers — Rural Recovery South County Recovery Center seeks volunteers

Saturday’s Smash The Stigma event in Great Barrington to highlight those impacted by substance use disorder during National Recovery Month This weekend, a Berkshire County organization dedicated to supporting those affected by substance use disorder is holding a community gathering in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Know what's in your supply.

Greylock Federal Credit Union to present free financial workshops at SCRC — Rural Recovery Basic Budgeting   June 17   6:00 – 6:50 This seminar helps to set up a spending plan, identify personal spending leaks, encourages ways to track spending and ways to incorporate savings into the plan. Helps attendees to create short-term and long-term financial goal

Paul Hedderman to speak at The South County Recovery Center June 28 — Rural Recovery “Paul invites us to notice how the mind’s irritability, restlessness, and discomfort arise from the false notion of what’s not happening; a notion that creates the sense of a false self. His clear pointers are a simple and profound invitation that once considered can instantly break this addic...

The first 2022 Recovery Theater Project planning meeting facilitated by Patrick Toole will be held on Wednesday May 18th from 7-9pm at the South County Recovery Center. 67 State Road in Great Barrington.

NEW RECOVERY COMMUNITY PROJECT!!!

Recovery Theater Project(May-June 2022)

Now recruiting community members in recovery from addiction for a new production

In 2019, Emergent Ensemble Theater did a production of an original
play about addiction & recovery called You Are Not Alone. That play featured many actors who are recovering from substance abuse issues. It was visceral, hilarious, and powerful. The audiences and cast walked away having been moved to tears and laughter, understanding better this thing called addiction.

After an isolating 2 years, we’re back at this work and are hoping to
recruit a new group of collaborators in recovery for a new original production. We’re looking for all experience levels and ages. All
you need is an interest in theater; acting, writing, tech, whatever -
and a willingness to put your life experience to creative use.
Please join us in exploring this work, building a rapport as a group,
and creating something powerful for our community.
Rehearsals will be held at the South County Recovery Center.
A schedule will be designed to fit all participants busy lives.
Sign up at the South County Recovery Center,
67 State Rd
in downtown Great Barrington
Or contact Patrick Toole at:
ph: (413)-281-9794
email: [email protected]

Call for Speakers - Finding Hope in Grief | Support After a Death by Overdose

Starting April 25, the Berkshire Harm Reduction mobile unit will be at The South County Recovery Center at 67 State Road in Great Barrington from 5-7pm. This will continue on the last Monday of every month. See poster below for services they offer. We are very grateful to collaborate with them and to offer this vital service to our community.

Sometimes, substance use starts with the misuse of prescription drugs found in medicine cabinets in homes all across America. You can help stop prescription drug diversion by bringing those unwanted prescription drugs to a participating police department in Southern Berkshire County on April 30th and any day. Go to shorturl.at/msP58 to find a location near you. Together we can make our county and our communities safer, better and healthier.