arlington health and human services

Arlington Police Provide Update on Medication Disposal Drop Box

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Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Police Provide Update on Medication Disposal Drop Box

Thousands of Pounds of Unused Prescription Drugs Disposed of Since 2012

ARLINGTON — Acting Chief Julie Flaherty and Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition (AYHSC) Director Karen Koretsky wish to share an update on the success of the community’s Medication Disposal Drop Box.

In June 2012, the Arlington Police Department, in partnership with the AYHSC, installed a Medication Disposal Drop Box in the lobby of the Arlington Police Headquarters. The drop box allows Arlington residents to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications. The secure collection box is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

Every six weeks APD’s Property Officer/Inspector takes the unwanted drugs that have been collected to a local incinerator for destruction, which helps to keep substances out of landfills or from being flushed down the drain. On average, the Inspector delivers approximately 220 pounds of medications to the incinerator every six weeks.

The department estimates that 1,900 pounds of unwanted medications are disposed of each year. Since the installation of the disposal box in 2012, an estimated 14,000 pounds of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed.

“The collection site has fulfilled the need for an environmentally sound medication disposal option which helps to ensure that excess medications are kept out of the hands of people not meant to have them,” Acting Chief Flaherty said.

The collection box is part of Arlington’s continued efforts to reduce the supply of unwanted medications, especially those with a high potential for misuse, within the community.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2017, an estimated 18 million people misused prescription medications at least once during the previous year. Among youth, prescription drugs are the most widely abused illicit drugs after alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. Furthermore, studies show that the majority of youth obtain prescription drugs from friends and relatives, often without their knowledge.

Along with the 24/7 drop box, Arlington Police have participated in each of the DEA Drug Take Back events since September 2010. Since their first year participating, the department has taken in and disposed of approximately 2,500 pounds of medication.

APD and AYHSC also take steps to educate the community on the importance of properly disposing of medications.

“This multi-faceted approach to medication disposal is a fantastic initiative where several local partners work together to help improve the safety of the community and the environment,” Director Koretsky said. “September is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as National Recovery Month, so this is a great time to raise awareness for proper medication disposal and its impact on preventing and reducing prescription drug abuse.”

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Arlington Committed to Progressive, Partnerships-Based Approach toward Homelessness

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Town of Arlington
Adam Chapdelaine, Town Manager
730 Mass. Ave. Annex
Arlington, MA 02476

Arlington Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02474

For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 7, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Committed to Progressive, Partnerships-Based Approach toward Homelessness

Town Requested State Remove “Bird Strip” Spikes from Overpass

ARLINGTON — Town government leaders in Arlington are committed to an integrated, humane and partnerships-based approach to serving the homeless population of Arlington and the surrounding communities and reducing the number of homeless people living on the streets.

A group of homeless people have long congregated under the Rt. 2 bridge near the bike path and approximately three to four people slept under the bridge regularly during the cold weather months. Recently, sanitary and public safety conditions under the overpass became a concern for the community, with acts of violence reported and debris, human waste and used needles appearing in large numbers. The town contacted the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which owns the bridge, to discuss cleaning the area and removing trash. Shortly after that conversation, the state installed spiked “bird deterrence strips” under the bridge which have the effect of blocking homeless people from sleeping and congregating in that location. The Town of Arlington did not request this action and has since requested the strips be removed, which MassDOT did on Monday afternoon.

“Serving our vulnerable homeless population and reducing the number of people living on the streets is a serious concern in Metropolitan Boston, with a multi-year rise in the number of persons living on the streets,” Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said. “There is always more work to be done and new ideas to explore, but the bird strips that were placed underneath the overpass are not the solution we had in mind. We greatly appreciate and value our working relationship with MassDOT and will continue to work with the state to address the issue of homelessness.”

The Arlington Police Department and Health and Human Services Department have partnered with the City of Cambridge and assigned representatives to its well-resourced efforts to support this vulnerable population. As members of the CambridgeHomeless Outreach Team, Arlington officials conduct weekly outreach to the homeless population currently residing in the Alewife area in an effort to build trusting relationships and ultimately provide connections to support and resources. This partnership began in early fall and has continued this winter. Each week, the team meets with individuals living in the Alewife area and is able to connect them with resources such as shelters, medical support and food resources.

“Although Arlington does not have in-town homeless shelters, we work with a number of programs in Greater Boston as well as  group homes in town that help people take the next steps after a shelter,” said Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services for the town. “As a community, we care deeply about our homeless population. We work with other communities and private and public organizations to provide responses that address the unique needs of the homeless while balancing concerns about public safety and litter.”

Arlington also works closely with outside partners on a grant that will house homeless individuals in Arlington this winter. The Housing Corporation of Arlington, which relies on financial support from the Town, has housed nearly a dozen homeless families and individuals over the past several years, and that program will continue in 2019.

Town leaders will shortly begin soliciting residents and service providers to sit on an Arlington Homelessness Task Force to meet regularly to discuss support and programming to assist the homeless population. The Town is also planning a public forum this winter to host an open and frank discussion of homelessness in Arlington.

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Arlington Rainbow Commission Hosts First Pride Picnic

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Retained by the Town of Arlington Health and Human Services Department

Town of Arlington
Department of Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02476

For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 14, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Christine Bongiorno
Phone: 781-316-3170
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Rainbow Commission Hosts First Pride Picnic

ARLINGTON – The Town of Arlington is pleased to announce that Arlington’s first Pride Picnic was a success.

On Sunday, June 10, the newly formed Arlington Rainbow Commission hosted an LGBTQIA+ Pride picnic in the Whittemore-Robbins House garden.

Approximately 150 residents brought chairs and blankets, and gathered around for the picnic — with food provided by the Arlington Council on Aging — and celebrated the history, community spirit, and activism of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

“It was wonderful to see residents turn out for our first ever Pride picnic,” said Anna Watson, chair of the Arlington Rainbow Commission. “We are excited to make Pride a bigger and better part of Arlington, and to continue to create events to serve the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The Arlington Rainbow Commission was formed in March. Its members have extensive plans to support and celebrate the queer community with social, educational and arts-based events and programs. The Commission works with civic groups and other town organizations to make sure LGBTQIA+ residents feel like they are being served in the best, most complete way possible.

Arlington is one of only a handful of municipalities nationwide that has a municipal body dedicated solely to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ population.

For more info or to get regular updates please visit: rainbowarlington.org/

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Arlington Youth Counseling Center to Honor Dr. Michael Thompson at 7th Annual Gala

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Retained by the Town of Arlington Health and Human Services Department

Town of Arlington
Department of Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02476

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Youth Counseling Center to Honor Dr. Michael Thompson at 7th Annual Gala

Dr. Michael Thompson will be honored at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala next month. (Courtesy Photo)
Dr. Michael Thompson will be honored at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala next month. (Courtesy Photo)

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Department of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) and Board of Youth Services (BYS) will honor Dr. Michael Thompson at the 7th Annual Out on the Town Gala.

Dr. Thompson, an Arlington resident and renowned child psychologist and best-selling author, will be honored for his work with Arlington and its residents. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 from 7-11 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall.

“Michael has been so generous with the community,” said Carlene Newell, longtime BYS member and Arlington Public Schools health educator. “His appearance at our parent forums is always a highlight, drawing standing-room-only crowds whenever he speaks.”

From illuminating insights on the emotional lives of boys and the impact of summer camp on adolescent development to giving advice on managing the pressures of high school and navigating parent-teacher relationships, Dr. Thompson has been a trusted source of guidance for parents and school administrators worldwide.

“We are delighted to be recognizing Michael Thompson and his contribution to the field,” said Justine Bloch, Gala Chair and Co-chair of the BYS. “And, as one of Arlington’s own, it is especially wonderful to honor him at this event.”

“Much of AYCC’s work supporting children and youth is also about supporting the adults in their lives. Dr. Thompson’s research and insights are such an important part of that,” added Colleen Leger, Director of AYCC. “It is one of many reasons why we selected him as this year’s honoree.”

Each year, the Out on the Town Gala brings hundreds of community members together to support the work of AYCC, promote the value of community mental health, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. In addition to remarks from Dr. Thompson, the gala will feature raffles, a silent auction, live music by members of the Arlington High School Jazz band, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

“Every year the gala is an incredible event, where the entire Arlington community comes together in support of AYCC, which is such an important resource for local families,” said Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services in Arlington. “Funds raised through the gala ensure that every child who needs our help receives it, regardless of the family’s financial circumstances.”

Through donations and support from the community, AYCC has transformed from an entirely town-supported agency to a thriving mental health center supported by town funding, health insurance reimbursement, grants and private donations.

Over the past year alone, AYCC provided more than 5,500 counseling and psychiatric sessions to more than 350 youth and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This is due to the funds that are raised through the gala, grants and other events.

Lead sponsors for this year’s gala include:

  • Gold Sponsors: East Cambridge Savings Bank and The Sanborn Foundation
  • Silver Sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, Bowes Real Estate and Whole Foods Market
  • Bronze Sponsors: Cambridge Savings Bank, McLean Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Ottoson Parent Advisory Council (OPAC), Lalicata Landscape Products and Jacqui’s Design Group.

Gala tickets can be purchased here for $75, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit AYCC’s website or contact AYCC’s Executive Director Colleen Leger at 781-316-3255.

About the Arlington Youth Counseling Center:

The Arlington Youth Counseling Center is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services, and for more than 45 years, has provided counseling services to local children and youth from ages 3-21. As one of the only remaining mental health facilities dedicated to the treatment of community youth and families, and one of the only providers in the area that accepts youth with public insurance, AYCC serves as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Arlington families.

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