197 Main St.
Maynard, MA 01754
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net
Maynard Police to Co-host Screening of Film About Youth Prescription Drug Use
MAYNARD — Chief Mark W. Dubois is pleased to announce that the Maynard Police Department is partnering with Maynard High School and the Central Middlesex Police Partnership to host a community viewing of the film “If Only” later this month.
The free movie screening will take place on Jan. 26 at Maynard High School from 7-8:30 p.m. Co-written and produced by James Wahlberg, the short film was created to initiate a meaningful dialogue between parents and children, and within communities, about prescription drug use and opioid addiction.
Maynard High School students will view the film in school during the day on Jan. 26 and hear from James Wahlberg and Melissa Weiksnar, a Carlisle resident whose daughter died from an overdose.
“This film addresses one of the most serious health issues facing our society today. Addiction touches every culture, every family, and ultimately every one of us,” Wahlberg said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to create a project that informs, educates and leads viewers to recognize the warning signs of opioid use and to participate in a solution.”
The Jan. 26 screening is open to the public, and supportive resources will be available as part of the event. Additionally, an accompanying display, called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” invites attendees to explore and interact with a mockup of a teenager’s bedroom, which illustrates signs and items that may indicate that a teen is involved in high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, underage drinking and more.
“No community has gone untouched by the opioid epidemic and that includes Maynard,” Chief Dubois said. “This event will be a great opportunity to come ask questions and talk about addiction in a safe and supportive environment. I would encourage all who are able to attend this screening.”
Audience members are invited to stay after the film and hear from Dr. Brian O’Connor of Middlesex Recovery, Chief Dubois, Weiksnar, a local person in recovery and MHS personnel.
For more information about the film, including a trailer, visit www.IfOnlyMovie.org. For additional information regarding the Jan. 26 viewing, contact Jennifer Gaudet, Curriculum Director of Maynard Public Schools, at jgaudet@maynard.k12.ma.us.
The film was made possible in part by Millennium Health, Recovery Centers of America and The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.
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