Youth Group Meeting to Discuss Harm Reduction Approach

Past event
Oct 13, 2024, 5 to 7:30 PM

Young people, ages 13-18 in the greater Brattleboro area are invited to attend the October service project of a multicultural interfaith youth group on Sunday, October 13 from 5 to 7:30 pm in the fellowship hall of The First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.

Learning about opioid overdose and what can be done to save a life is the focus of this meeting, in addition to ongoing goals of the group to build friendships and provide peer support to the newest Vermonters, refugees recently resettled in our area.

Harm Reduction is also October's service project, for which attending BUHS students will receive community service credits. In a drug overdose, opioids can slow breathing to the point of death so youth and leaders will build Harm Reduction kits containing Narcan (Naloxone) which can reverse the overdose, often saving a life, stated the gathering's host, Rev. Jeremy Kirk, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro.

A recent early morning drug raid at a Western Ave apartment near his church prompted Pastor Kirk to propose the topic of Opioid Use Disorder for the upcoming youth group meeting. "How do we promote a message of dignity and worthiness of members of our Brattleboro community who suffer with addiction," he asked." What are the experiences of young people in confronting the current opioid crisis and how is it different or the same for our new neighbors from abroad?

In addition to grappling with these questions, attendees will get to know each other through icebreakers; by sharing a spaghetti meal; and several dynamic games.

The First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro is located at 880 Western Ave and the fellowship hall entrance is around back. Directions: 1-91 to Vermont Exit 2 (Brattleboro), north on Route 9 to just past Academy School.

A $5 contribution towards the food is encouraged from those who can. For information or to reserve a spot, please contact Nanci at (802) 258-8348 or email nanci.leitch@gmail.com.

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Event Info

First Congregational Church, Vermont 9, West Brattleboro, VT

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