Seasons Greetings!
I am delighted to join the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin region on February 13, 2017. This incredible team of people have been working tirelessly to address the opioid epidemic in the region since September 2013 and I can’t wait to become a part of this crucial effort. Your collective passion and commitment to innovative solutions to both prevent and address opioid addiction is exciting and inspiring.
I actually began my public policy career in Greenfield, Massachusetts helping unemployed residents in the Franklin County and North Quabbin region seek new training and employment opportunities. This led me to work as the Human Services Coordinator for the Franklin County Commission, prior to its transition to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. In that role, I oversaw a team working on region-wide initiatives to combat alcohol and other substance abuse, teen pregnancy, smoking, and domestic violence, among other issues.
Since then I have worked in a number of positions to strengthen the capacity of municipal and statewide initiatives to support the well being of children and families through early childhood, youth development, after school and art opportunities in Massachusetts and Vermont. I look forward to drawing upon these experiences and working closely with Task Force members to implement a variety of strategies focusing on prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
I’ll be reaching out and setting up meetings in the new year, where I can listen, learn and get to know you better to help the Task Force achieve its goals. But I would also love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to drop me a note at debmc@opioidtaskforce.org with your ideas or concerns.
Until then, I wish you and yours a warm and safe holiday season. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2017!
Sincerely,
Deb
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Debra L. McLaughlin, Coordinator
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region
debmc@opioidtaskforce.org
617.792.3173 (cell + text)
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