Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health Outreach topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Westford committee endorses Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation, schedules outreach events and focus group
Summary
A Town of Westford committee on March 23, 2026, endorsed a May Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation, confirmed the April 28 'Hope Blooms Here' event, reviewed a new Town resource booklet, and heard police report monthly COIN referrals and expanded officer training.
Nicole Laviolette called the Town of Westford committee to order at 1:02 p.m. on March 23, 2026. The panel unanimously approved amended minutes from Feb. 23, 2026, after Rae Dick moved to add language directing Mobile Clinician referrals to the Town Social Worker or the Community Wellness Coordinator; Mary Rockwood seconded.
The committee endorsed a May Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation after a brief review. "Rae Dick made a motion to endorse the May Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation," minutes record; Alison Christopher seconded and the endorsement passed unanimously.
Members confirmed details for a community outreach event, "Hope Blooms Here," scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside Town Hall and the old fire station. The committee said the event will be part of ongoing education and outreach tied to its goals.
Rae Dick presented a completed Town resource booklet compiled across multiple departments and in collaboration with SANS, and the group discussed possible funding sources, including grants and the model used for an older Westford phone directory. The committee noted that departments and committees are responsible for adding events and meetings to the Town website calendar; the Community Wellness Coordinator reported that the website was updated but no separate calendar booklet was created.
Deputy Chief James Peloquin reported on the COIN program, saying officers submit about "25–30 referrals to COIN a month." He said when the committee began, roughly 10% of staff had received Crisis Intervention Team training; that figure has increased to about 65% of officers, and officers have attended youth and adult mental health first-aid training.
The committee announced an Opioid Settlement Funds focus group set for March 31, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cameron Senior Center and asked interested participants to register with Nicole Laviolette. The group scheduled its next meeting for April 27, 2026, and adjourned at 1:48 p.m. on a unanimous vote after a motion by Nicole Laviolette and a second by Rae Dick.
