CARES - Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services

10/20/2026

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

📆
Saturday, October 24th, 10am-12pm
Methuen PD Lobby
90 Hampshire Street

Did you know that one Facebook share can make a huge difference in creating a safer community for us all?

Spread the word to your friends and family by sharing this post and using the hashtag to promote the proper disposal of unneeded medications on October 24!

You never know who you could be helping. www.DEATakeBack.com

10/19/2026

🚨 PARENTS, EDUCATORS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS — WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THC AND OUR YOUTH! 🚨

🧠 THE NUMBERS ARE CONCERNING, AND OUR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!

Since recreational ma*****na sales began in Massachusetts in 2018, researchers have documented troubling increases in cannabis-related psychiatric emergencies among adolescents.

📊 HERE'S WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS:
🔴 Cannabis-related disorder diagnoses among adolescents ages 12–17 presenting for psychiatric emergency care increased from 3.2% to 12.1% in one Massachusetts hospital study.

🔴 THC-positive screenings in that same adolescent psychiatric emergency population increased from 5% to 17.3%.

🔴 Statewide cannabis-related emergency room visit rates among youth ages 0–19 increased approximately 68%, while hospitalization rates increased approximately 126% in the periods studied.

⚠️ WHAT ABOUT PSYCHOSIS?
Research has linked adolescent cannabis use, particularly high-potency THC, with increased risks of psychotic symptoms and psychotic disorders. The developing adolescent brain is especially vulnerable.

These findings are concerning, although they do not establish that legalization caused the increases or that every cannabis-related emergency involved psychosis.

🗳️ MASSACHUSETTS QUESTION 8 — NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Question 8 asks Massachusetts voters whether to end licensed recreational ma*****na sales while retaining medical ma*****na access and limited adult possession.
A YES vote would end licensed recreational ma*****na sales. A NO vote would leave the current law unchanged.

💙 At MVPASAP, we believe PREVENTION begins with EDUCATION.
Our responsibility is to provide families with credible information, encourage meaningful conversations, and help protect the health and well-being of our young people. Our youth deserve informed adults, honest conversations, and a community committed to their future.

💙 MVPASAP Together We Create Prevention. Education. Hope.

📚 Sources: Massachusetts General Brigham / American Journal of Preventive Medicine; Injury Prevention (2024); Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

10/16/2026

💜 39 YEARS OF RECOVERY. A LIFETIME OF CHANGING LIVES. 💜

Today, the Police Department is incredibly proud to celebrate someone truly special to our department and our entire city: Cole, our C.A.R.E.S. Advocate (Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services) and the Executive Director of MVPASAP, who is marking an incredible 39 YEARS IN RECOVERY! 🥹💜

Some people celebrate their recovery by simply living it. Others turn their recovery into a lifeline for their community. Cole, you have done both.
Thirty-nine years. Think about how many lives can be changed in that time.

How many people have found hope because someone refused to give up on them.

How many families have found support when they didn’t know where to turn.

How many people have been reminded that their past does not determine their future.

Cole, your journey is so much bigger than a number. Your recovery has become a source of hope, strength, and inspiration for so many.

Through your dedication to MVPASAP, the Methuen Police Department, and our community, you have helped people feel seen when they felt invisible, supported when they felt alone, and hopeful when they struggled to believe things could get better.

You have devoted your time, your heart, and your energy to advocating for those who need a voice, connecting people with critical resources, and reminding our community that addiction does not define a person’s worth. And that is the beautiful thing about recovery. It doesn’t just change one life, it has the power to change generations. Every person you have helped and every moment you have shown up for someone in need is part of the legacy you are building right here in Methuen.

Cole, we hope you know just how much your life, your leadership, and your commitment to this community matter.

Today, we celebrate YOU. We celebrate your 39 years, your resilience, your compassion, your dedication, and the countless people whose lives are better because you are a part of their journey.

Thank you for showing us what it looks like to turn recovery into service, experience into understanding, and hope into action.

Happy 39 years of recovery, Cole! 🎉💜

10/16/2026

Cold weather is on the way.

Fuel assistance applications open October 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible renters and homeowners pay for home heating.

If you’ve already been accepted and need help with program recertification, come see us at the Methuen Community Resource Center at 1 Broadway or call 978-983-8664.

Search Home Energy Assistance on Mass.gov to learn more.

10/15/2026

🎀 WITCHES SUPPORT FIGHTERS! 🎀🧙‍♀️

Get ready for a little Halloween fun while supporting a great cause! 💗

Our friends at TGI Fridays in Methuen are hosting a Paint Night Fundraiser benefiting the Methuen Police Pink Patch Project!

Grab your friends, put on your creative hats, and join us for a fun evening of painting, laughs, and raising money for the fight against cancer! 🎨💕

📅 Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 TGI Fridays – Methuen
🎟️ $40 per person

💗 Proceeds benefit the Methuen Police Pink Patch Project.

⚠️ LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!

📞 Call 978-794-8443 to reserve your spot!

You don't have to be an artist to make a difference. Just come ready to have some fun and support a cause that touches so many of our families, friends, and neighbors.

Together, we can make a difference, one brushstroke at a time! 🎀

Please LIKE and SHARE to help us spread the word!

TGIFMethuen CommunityStrong

10/14/2026

📢 FRIENDLY REMINDER!

Looking for local resources, support, or information about services available in your community?

🤝 HHSI / CARES Initiative is at Nevins Memorial Library every Wednesday from 10:00–11:00 AM!

This is a wonderful opportunity to stop by, connect with local resources, ask questions, and learn about the many services and programs available to you and your family.

💙 Knowledge is power, and connecting people to resources can make all the difference!

📍 Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen, MA
📅 Every Wednesday
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
* (Some Wednesday's we may not be available, check with the Library for a schedule)

Stop by, say hello, and see how we can help!

10/11/2026

Mark your calendars for some Halloween fun 📆
🎃

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

WE’RE BACK! 🎉✂️

New date. Same celebration. And we are READY to finally open the doors!

Join us Saturday, October 17th from 10 AM–12 PM for the official ribbon cutting of the Methuen Youth & Community Center.

🎶 Music
✂️ Official Ribbon Cutting
🎤 Special Guests
🚪 Guided Tours
☕ Light Refreshments
💙 And a chance to see what’s been happening inside MYCC!

📍 10 Ditson Place, Methuen

There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, and we can’t wait for you to see it.

Come celebrate what’s possible for Methuen’s young people.

Scan the QR code to register!

MerrimackValley Community

09/23/2026

🌟Ray Of Light Recovery Would Love Your Support🌟

October 3rd
Meet at Common Grounds to make posters 💜✝️

Walk starts:
8:30 am -10 am

We walk for those we've lost. We walked for those in Recovery and to reduce stigma.🚶🏼‍♀️🚶‍♂️🚶🏼‍♀️🚶‍♂️


🌟 Free BBQ
🌟 Great Music
🌟Resource Tables

Bring Your Children Activities will be provided
Cotton Candy Popcorn Coloring / Crafts Station Fenced in play ground