SUDC – The Martha’s Vineyard Substance Use Disorder Coalition
St Andrew’s Church has been represented at the large island-wide roundtable, the MV Substance Use Disorder Coalition (SUDC), since its inception five years ago. Open to any and all citizens and public and private organizations interested to confront the challenges facing our communities in the way of alcohol and drug abuse (as well as the effects they bring), more than thirty or so individuals meet once a month to go over current initiatives, learn from each other, and consider new ways to help individuals and families to prevent and treat such addictive diseases. Such individuals include or have included counselors, hospital workers, law enforcement, clergy, government and various public and private agencies responsive to those faced with substance use disorders. I have been chosen to facilitate the monthly meetings and have now served in that role for almost three years.
One of the number of subgroups working on various initiatives of the SUDC is called “ON ISLAND.” ON ISLAND is a grassroots movement to proactively embrace positive change by facing the growing challenges of substance use on Martha’s Vineyard. The goal of ON ISLAND is to encourage a community-led response to reduce substance misuse and de-stigmatize addiction, as well as prevent or delay first use among Island youth. Father Chip has served as a member of the ON ISLAND subgroup, is eagerly anticipating its imminent “roll out” as of the time of this writing, and invites parishioners to bring up the fantastic website at WWW.ONISLANDMV.ORG to learn more, and to help us (all!) out in this extremely important work.
Faithfully submitted, Father Chip
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
HTTPS://WWW.MVCOMMUNITYSERVICES.ORG/
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The LIFT! Support Our Local Businesses…
HTTPS://LIFT.MVBANK.COM/
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Contact the Edgartown Council on Aging (The Anchors) – Newsletter and Resources
HTTP://WWW.STANDREWSMV.ORG/AUGUST-2020-ECOA-WEB-NEWSLETTER/
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The Edgartown Library – Newsletter and Resources
HTTP://EDGARTOWNLIBRARY.ORG/
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Housing Assistance Corporation for Cape Cod and the Islands
HTTPS://HACONCAPECOD.ORG/