The Marblehead Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) met on Monday to update one another on any upcoming events or projects, one community member in particular brought up the idea of a “Path to Recovery” event.
The MHTF took into account the events of 2020 and 2021 and the impact COVID-19 had on mental health. The MHTF acts as a cross-sector group of community leaders to address and provide strategies that guide citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable, toward improving their mental health.
At the meeting, one member, Wendy Kent shared some of the successes MHTF has observed with similar groups in other communities. Two projects in particular, the photo voice project and the collaboration on the artful life project, gave participants an avenue to share their personality or what they would want people to know about the current youth.
Kent also shared a positive community norms campaign that would focus more on the positives regarding youth substance use. For example, Kent explained instead of focusing on the fact that 20% of youth drink, to focus on that 80% of the youth does not. The goal is to get more people aware of the prevention programs and shed positive light on the progress made.
The next conversation came from a community member, Gina Rabbitt, who presented to the committee the idea of holding an event highlighting the recovery path for substance abusers.
Rabbitt said opioids are more of an issue in Marblehead than many people think. A hidden issue that goes unnoticed and unspoken about, Rabbitt is looking to change just that.
The event’s mission statement began with, “The Light a Path For Recovery is a community gathering used as a beacon of hope to raise awareness for recovery.” The event is looking to support everyone involved in recovery through community engagement, educating the community, and sharing stories.
Rabbit’s vision for the event is a vigil held at Seaside Park in Marblehead around dusk to allow the candles to shine bright without being too dark. The park will be filled with tables, chairs, a sound system, different booths, food, and more.
While sharing the plans for the event, Rabbitt explained the color purple represents recovery. According to Destinations for Teens the color purple “symbolizes the bravery of those who are battling and overcoming addiction.”
Rabbitt wants to paint the park purple at the event with purple ribbons, purple stickers, purple lights, and purple everything.
Through Rabbitt’s connections, she explained the event would be of little cost, mainly involving volunteers, friends, and family who look to help spread awareness. Rabbitt said almost everyone she speaks to about this topic has been affected by substance abuse whether it is themselves, family members, or friends.
The event will not only spread awareness, but honor those who died from to substance abuse disorder, those who are on the path to recovery, and those who need help finding the path. It will be open to all ages of people, young and old.
After Rabbitt’s presentation, Police Chief Dennis King shared a few words of support. King said, “I fully support it,” and the ideas presented were both strong and powerful. King said the cost of the event is not significant and will gladly be figured out in due time.
Other committee members shared the same support expressing it was a lovely idea that can help spread community awareness, something the committee is always pushing for.
There is no date or timeframe regarding the occurrence of the event but with the overwhelming support of the idea Rabbitt can begin the planning process.