Q-DRUG celebrates our 10th anniversary in 2024!

In March we held a fun event to celebrate, and share our appreciation of local heroes who have made Q-DRUG possible!

We were grateful that we were able to share our appreciation of the following, in a public forum, for all that they have done over the past 10 years that has allowed Q-DRUG to grow and flourish.  It is because of the work that has been done in the past that we look forward to the future.  Thank you to the following;  

     The Families of Joe Duval and Josh Stone were presented with the Voice of Recover Award for their tireless work to change the conversation in our community around Recovery.  They have taken the loss of their loved one and shared a message of the need, and the possibility, for recovery from substance use disorder.  They have removed the shame that comes with the stigma of addiction, and used the platform of their loss to encourage others to seek help. They have raised funds through a variety of events and activities, including Joe's Journey for Recovery and "You are Enough" items, to support recovery resources for those in need in our community.  Their voice has been a resounding change within our community, and we appreciate their dedication to being heard.

     Gregory Devine was presented with the Voice of Prevention Award, for his constant dedication to making a difference in the lives of youth.  As the high school principal he was dedicated to helping youth to find personal reasons to remain substance free.  He supported the efforts of Q-DRUG with unfailing support, and constant encouragement.  He attended training to better understand the public health model, and provided incredible insight into possible action steps to take.  Most importantly he is a constant voice with youth that they can and should be substance free.  He has frequent conversations, with even the most difficult students, reminding them that he cares about them and wants the very best for them. His voice is one that is sure to resonate in the halls of Quabbin long after he retires from the district.

     It is only through the support of the Fidelity Saving Bank Charitable Foundation that we are able to access the state funded BSAS grant for the past 3 years.  Without their support a reimbursement grant would not have been possible, with only $300 in our bank account when it was awarded in 2021. Fidelity Savings has supported Q-DRUG through decorating their lobby and front entrance each year during Purple for Prevention week, provided the ice cream truck for our Recovery Celebration events, and much more.  It is for all of these reasons and much more that we are proud to award our Community Business Connection Award.

    We have been fortunate to have support from Dr. Stephen Martin, of the Barre Family Health Center, for the past 10 years.  Over the years Dr. Martin has provided a number of presentations for community members and parents.  We appreciate all that he has done over the years to support our work in the community. In a field that has struggled to find acceptance as a medical domain, we are grateful to have the support of a well known, well respected and highly knowledgeable medical doctor.  We are proud to award Dr Martin the Community Health Connection.

    If you have seen any posts on our social media accounts recently, you have seen the dedicated work of Tracy LaRosa.  Tracy has taken over the difficult chore of sharing frequent messages of support, encouragement, and help to all.  She shares educational articles and resources to help parents and community members to better understand the supports and resources that are available. She has used her own personal experience and loss to bring a personal view of substance use and recovery that is so vital to our work.  We can not say Thank you enough to Tracy for being the Voice of Q-DRUG.

    Over the past 10 years there have been two individuals who have been a consistent presence, volunteering their time, sponsoring events, attending years worth of monthly meetings, and talking with anyone and everyone about Q-DRUG and the messages of hope and support. These two individuals have been consistent when others have drifted in and out of our ranks. I can say with certainty that Q-DRUG would not be celebrating 10 years of existence without these two, it would have floundered over the years without them.  There really are not words to say thank you to Janice Handrahan and Kathlyn Inman for your dedication to our community, and all who live here. They are the true Heart and Soul of Q-DRUG.