Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins (seated at center) recently visited the Mobilizing for Change
Coalition in Chelsea to speak about some of the addiction recovery and reentry services at
the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.
A recent gathering brought Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins to Chelsea, where he met with the Mobilizing for Change Coalition to discuss the addiction recovery and reentry services available through the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.
The meeting drew participation from multiple stakeholders in the community, including Chelsea City Councilor Leo Robinson, Chelsea Police Department officers, representatives from Mass General Hospital (MGH), and staff from Chelsea ASAP (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program). During the session, Sheriff Tompkins emphasized the critical importance of developing comprehensive services that address drug and alcohol abuse through prevention, awareness, and treatment initiatives.
“We’re in the second chance business,” Sheriff Tompkins stated, “and we have the opportunity to help a lot of people and the opportunity to help keep families intact. We have a lot of programming at our facilities, but we can’t do it all by ourselves, we need your help. What we talk to the families about is – if you have loved ones or friends with us – encourage them to take our programs. When they get out, continue to work with them and work with us. We’re trying to institute an aftercare program, because, as we have found, in the absence of housing, health care and employment people are very likely to recidivate.”
The Coalition also covered several other matters during the gathering. A crime update from Chelsea Police was presented, followed by remarks from MGH representatives. Updates on the Coalition’s social media initiatives were shared, and attendees viewed a video for the drug awareness campaign “64% YOUth Decide,”, which challenges the misconception that most Chelsea High School students use marijuana by presenting data showing otherwise.
Operating as a collaborative effort involving both public and private organizations alongside individual community participants, the Coalition works to lower rates of underage drinking and opiate and substance abuse. Its approach combines best practice prevention strategies that shift community attitudes, limit drug and alcohol availability, maintain consistent enforcement, advocate for legal reforms at local and state levels, leverage media engagement, and mobilize community involvement.
For additional information about the Mobilizing for Change Coalition, visit: www.facebook.com/MobilizingFORchange