Overdose awareness flags planted by HOP representatives late last month sit on the Town Common.
PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

This story is on a more serious subject than my usual tales. I will explain the organization HOP (Hopkinton Organization for Prevention), who we are, what we do, our mission and vision, why I am involved and ongoing programs.

HOP was founded in 2015 by Hopkinton Youth & Family Services. We are a community-wide coalition of parents, youth, law enforcement, schools, clergy, health professionals and individuals in recovery, working together to reduce youth substance use and support mental wellbeing.

Our mission is to prevent youth substance use by providing education, resources, and support to promote well-being and resilience for all Hopkinton residents.

Our vision is a community where everyone has access to information, resources and support to make healthy decisions around substance use and mental health.

What we do:

• Education and training: Workshops for students, parents and professionals.
• Youth prevention: Programs that build resilience and promote healthy choices in adolescents.
• Community assessment: Using local data to guide prevention efforts.
• Support and resources: Connecting families and youth with tools for healthy living.

Next, why I am involved:

I am a recovering alcoholic. I have been an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 45 years. You may say, “I thought AA was an anonymous program.” It is. I choose to give up my anonymity in hopes that when I speak I may give at least one person some hope for recovery.

September is Recovery Month. In the past years, for special programs we have had a couple large Recovery Fairs on the Town Common, with several booths and speakers. We had a couple of smaller gatherings with speakers in recovery. We let people put small colored flags on the common for family members in recovery, people in recovery themselves and suicide attempts.

Our programs for this year include:

Garden of Hope Display on the Town Common on Aug. 31 in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. Stop by the common to see flags, purple lighting and signage in remembrance of those lost to substance use.

Documentary film Screening of “Our American Family” and personal discussion with the mother in the film on Sept. 24. You are invited to the free screening of the film at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Bring friends and family who may be interested. The film is about the intergenerational effects of addiction. The ticket link can be found at the HCA website: canvas.hopartscenter.org/events/105.