Massachusetts: Panel Discussion in Holyoke

Holyoke Engagement Goals

  • Secure a better understanding of potential barriers to participation in substance use treatment, especially those particular to Hispanic and other minority members of the community
  • Seek input on ways to expand opportunities to participate in meaningful drug treatment and counseling

Engaging with Experts in Holyoke

The Massachusetts team and its partners convened a two-hour panel discussion in Holyoke entitled “Strategies to address drug addiction in Holyoke.” The Massachusetts team and partners invited both stakeholder voices and members of the general public to attend.

  • Judge William Hadley of the Holyoke District Court welcomed audience members, provided an overview of the drug addiction problem in Holyoke, and introduced expert panelists from the community to address the issue.
  • Panelists included a wide variety of community perspectives:
    • Nick Cocchi, Sheri­ff of Hampden County
    • Elizabeth Evans, PhD, MA, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
    • Manuel Febo, Chief of Police for the City of Holyoke
    • Debra Flynn-Gonzalez, Program Director, Hope for Holyoke Peer Recovery Support Center
    • Ari Kriegsman, MD, Attending Physician, Opioid Treatment Program at Providence Hospital
    • Sean McBride, Chief Probation Office, Holyoke District Court
    • Manuel Moutinho, Clerk-Magistrate, Holyoke District Court
    • Maria Quinn, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Holyoke Hospital
  • After each of the panelists gave initial brief remarks, the Chief Experience and Diversity Officer  of the Massachusetts Trial Court then facilitated a question and comment period with the panelists and audience.

Holyoke Engagement Results

Specific key findings in Holyoke included:

  • Peer recovery programs may be a promising community intervention.
  • Veterans’ services might play a helpful role in addressing treatment and basic needs.
  • Law enforcement should continue emphasizing training for crisis intervention and interacting with people with mental health conditions.