Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Friday, May 12, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police C.A.R.E.S. Advocate Selected as One of Massachusetts’ Unsung Heroines of 2017
METHUEN — Mayor Stephen Zanni and Chief Joseph Solomon are pleased to announce that Methuen Police Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Advocate Jennifer Burns has been selected as one of the Commonwealth’s Unsung Heroines of 2017.
Burns was selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) as an Unsung Heroine of 2017 for her work with the Methuen Police C.A.R.E.S. Initiative, and will be honored with other Unsung Heroines from across Massachusetts at a ceremony on June 21 at the Massachusetts State House.
Each year, these awards go to women who are nominated by legislators from their districts and selected for their contributions to their community and the Commonwealth. The MCSW describes Unsung Heroines as women who don’t always make the news, but truly make a difference in their communities, businesses or volunteer endeavors.
“We are so proud of Jennifer for her achievement,” Mayor Zanni said. “Her work with the C.A.R.E.S. team has done tremendous things for our community and combatting the opioid crisis on a local level, and she deserves to be recognized for that.”
Burns has been part of the C.A.R.E.S. team since October 2015. She works one-on-one with residents who are struggling with addiction, providing emotional support and helping to place them into treatment. Additionally, she works with other community groups to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
Prior to 2015, Burns spent time volunteering to create positive social change in addiction recovery and treatment options, collaborating with the police department, legislators and other community members.
“Jennifer exemplifies what it means to be an Unsung Heroine and we feel extremely fortunate to have her working on our team,” Chief Solomon said. “She has dedicated many hours to making our community a better place to live by ensuring that those who need help are getting it and reducing the stigma of addiction. Congrats, Jen!”
Burns and the C.A.R.E.S. team were also recently recognized by Massachusetts state legislators for Advocating for Alcohol Awareness Month.
About the C.A.R.E.S. Initiative:
Methuen Police Department’s C.A.R.E.S Initiative began in October of 2015. Two community engagement specialists are available to provide recovery resources, educate the community and outreach to high risk populations.
The C.A.R.E.S Initiative integrates public health and public safety practices to address the addiction epidemic in the community. C.A.R.E.S. IS dedicated to reduce recidivism rates of substance use and crime by raising awareness, providing recovery resources and outreach to the larger community.
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