I can count the gatherings he missed on one hand, and OTF has convened nearly a thousand of them over the past 12 years. If he wasn’t in attendance, his absence was keenly felt because he was so present when he was there, even in our virtual meetings. His attention was laser-focused. His energy was palpable and crackling, reflecting his staggering intellect and smarts. He always brought his A-game to our meetings, often sharing the latest research, news articles, and names of people we should know. 

Jerry was a fierce champion for our work, doggedly pursuing the best possible outcome when discussing challenging subjects, despite the odds or the complexity. 

For example, the month before he died, he urged us to do more about offering wound care resources. He introduced us to a new provider we had never heard of because of his vast web of connections and uncanny ability to build relationships. As a result, we organized and held a well-attended virtual wound care training, which happened three days after his death. Like in so many other strands of our work, Jerry’s hand and influence were integral to its success.

Jerry also kept us on our toes! It was not uncommon for me to get an email or private message from him on Zoom reminding me of something I had forgotten, a link not working in a newsletter, or a misspelled name or incorrect title. I never felt chided. I knew Jerry cared so much about this public health issue and wanted us to succeed in our aims. He was the conscience of OTF in many ways because he was deeply involved in every aspect of our work.

As I consider our future endeavors, things won’t be the same without seeing Jerry at our meetings. His wry sense of humor, encouragement, and flashes of impatience moved our work forward. Jerry burned bright. We’ll do our best to keep his light burning to help show us the way when we tire or stumble.

Thank you, Jerry, for everything you did for the Opioid Task Force. You will be deeply and sorely missed. We are also thinking of Jerry’s children, family, and network of friends. Our sincere condolences to them during this time of grief and loss. May Jerry’s memories, actions, and deeds be a blessing and a call for continued action.

~Deb McLaughlin, Coordinator 

Below are additional remembrances from our team, who worked closely with Jerry in different ways. 

“So many times in my work, I have pondered what Jerry would do in a particular moment because he was always about the push forward. "It's not rocket science," I heard him say multiple times. He had a brain that never took a break, and he was relentless in his quest for knowledge, sharing an important book about the work we collectively do whenever he could find a way to insert it into the conversation. He carefully considered content and discussions, crafting his contributions to weave more or new insightful threads into the fabric of the conversation. We were always better for it. I miss him. But more than this, my heart breaks for his family, for whom Jerry had unwavering love.”

~Karen Carmona, Program Associate

“This is such sad and tragic news to all of us who know and admire Jerry. I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with him and to have witnessed firsthand all he has done for our community. Jerry was a true and fierce advocate. He certainly kept us on our toes. I have fond memories of getting into deep conversations with him at various in-person events. I always left those conversations with a new perspective, having acquired knowledge that would most certainly end up being helpful within the context of whatever issue I was trying to address. I will miss his insight, dedication, passion, and tenacity. My heart hurts for his loved ones and for our community. May we carry his light and passion with us as we continue our work. Now more than ever, we need the light."  

                                                                                  ~Kristen Cuddy-Pease, Program Associate

“I am beyond sad about this. I have never met anyone who lived their convictions as he did. I will always remember his smile - as when he smiled, he smiled with his whole face. You will be missed, my friend.”

~ Cathi Emery, Office and Data Manager

“What a horribly devastating loss for our community. Jerry was one of the most impressive members of our group that I have met, and his advocacy knew no boundaries. I can't believe he is no longer with us. What sad, sad news.”

~Nicole St. Hilaire, Outreach Manager, CONNECT

Sincerely,

Debra McLaughlin, Coordinator

Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and North Quabbin

UPCOMING EVENTS

See what's happening at OTF this month.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Explore OTF's COVID-19 Resource Guide.

MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE

Hope is here. Get help.

413Cares

Resources for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Click here.

NQCC'S Newsletter

Resources and upcoming events in the North Quabbin Region.

Click here.

CONNECTIONS #87

Find local resources in this issue.

NEED NARCAN?

Click here to email for Narcan.

Emergency Services Resources for Unhoused Individuals

Click here.

The PACES CONNECTION

Click here for resources

Grayken Center for Addiction

Training & Technical Assistance

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

GCC Community Engagement and Workshop Events

Click here to view and/or register for trainings.

Rural SUD Info Center

Click here for resources.

UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS

FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

"The Office of Senator Markey, sponsor of the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act (S. 644), wants to hear from people who work at or go to opioid treatment programs (OTPs or “methadone clinics”) for methadone medication for opioid use disorder. If you or your patients have had a hard time getting or staying on methadone because of an OTP, we’d like to hear from you." 

Please reach out to us by clicking on the following link:

https://www.markey.senate.gov/services/methadone-story

MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS

Franklin County Reentry Center

Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield

All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project

Mondays Art Guild Meetings

Second Mondays - North Quabbin B.R.R.A.V.V.E. Task Force Meeting

Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle

First Tuesday - Dads' Group

Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions

Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC

First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group

Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House

Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish

Free English Classes

Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall

Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program

Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages

Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change

Beginning Tuesday, 9.3.24, the Greenfield Court Service Center (CSC)services will be in-person and remote: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm; 2pm-4:30 pm, and Fridays, 8:30-1pm.

For ANY/ALL REMOTE REQUESTS, please contact the Virtual Court Service Center, M-F 9am -2pm, if you do not have an emergency. You can reach them for an intake, Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, by Zoom video or telephone as outlined below:

https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140 or Dial (646) 828-7666. Enter the Meeting ID number 1615261140 and then press # #. 

If you have an emergency, and still need remote services, have the court department reach out directly to Greenfield CSC office by email for assistance at greenfieldcsc@jud.state.ma.us.

Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org