Category Archives: MCSP – Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention

MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

Posted on January 16, 2026 | Comments Off on MEDFIELD OUTREACH – Winter Newsletter

From Viktorria Glissendorf, MPH, Prevention Coordinator, Medfield Outreach –

SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice GalleryWalkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of theMedfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through avariety of expressive media includingphotography and digital art, Medfield HighSchool students explored the interpersonaland community environments shaping theirhealth and well-being. The reception willalso feature spoken reflections fromselected Medfield students, accompaniedby live music from the Medfield GuitarClub.
SHARE: Join Our Email List Upcoming Events & Current Offerings Photovoice Gallery Walkthrough Join us for a gallery walkthrough of the Medfield Photovoice student art project on January 22 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Medfield High School Library. Through a variety of expressive media including photography and digital art, Medfield High School students explored the interpersonal and community environments shaping their health and well-being. The reception will also feature spoken reflections from selected Medfield students, accompanied by live music from the Medfield Guitar Club. Parent Coffee Hour Thursday, January 29 from 10:30-11:30 AM @ Medfield Public Library We are excited to offer a Coffee Talk for parents and guardians of tweens and adolescents! Have a cup of coffee with us as we share tips on talking with your kids about technology use and discuss successful strategies families have used to navigate digital safety in a changing world. No need to RSVP, just show up! SPACE Treatment Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! We are pleased to announce that we are now offering SPACE treatment, which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. The SPACE treatment approach centers on empowering parents to make changes in their own behavior, rather than directly trying to change their child's behavior. Participants in the program will learn two primary strategies: how to respond more supportively to their anxious child and how to gradually reduce accommodations made for their child's symptoms. QPR Training Contact Medfield Outreach to schedule! Did you know that you don't have to be a professional to offer hope and help to those considering suicide? Medfield Outreach can provide a FREE 2-hour QPR: Suicide Prevention Training for Medfield residents, aged 18+. All you need is a group of 8-15 people willing to learn how to offer hope in a time of distress. Call your friends and schedule a training today! Medfield Mobile Task Force Presents: Screenagers January 26 | 7:00 PM | Medfield High School Auditorium To thoughtfully address the opportunities and concerns arising from technology and social media, Medfield Public Schools convened a Mobile Technology Task Force, a collaborative forum bringing together students, parents, educators, and members of the Medfield School Committee to examine the role of mobile technology in our schools and community. Medfield Outreach is proud to partner with Medfield Public Schools on this initiative. On January 26th at 7:00 PM in the Medfield High School auditorium, the Mobile Task Force will host a screening of the award-winning film Screenagers. Through insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions for empowering kids to navigate the digital world and find balance. For more information, please contact Jeff Marsden at jmarsden@email.medfield.net. Wait until 8th Pledge The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Let’s protect the elementary and middle school years from the distractions and the dangers of a smartphone in Medfield. Did you know that 12% of Medfield parents have already signed this pledge? We would love for you to join us. Click here for more information and to sign the pledge. 7th Grade Wellness Visits Recap Throughout November, nearly 200 7th graders in Mr. Woods’ Wellness classes took field trips to Medfield Outreach! Students learned about the social services available to Medfield residents, the many ways communities can work together to prevent substance misuse, the positive health impacts of gratitude, and opportunities to join MCAP-advised clubs like Medfield Youth Leadership Program and Medfield BREATHE. At the end of the visit, students were invited to post to our Gratitude Wall. These visits were a valuable way to familiarize students and their families with the resources Outreach offers, as well as an opportunity to learn how community substance use prevention works in Medfield. The Research Corner Learn what the research says about substance use, mental health, and wellness! This edition, we are highlighting the the health benefits of dry January and the positive trends in high school cannabis consumption trends in Medfield. Health Benefits of Dry January - What the Science Says Thinking about kickstarting your 2026 with Dry January? One study found that going 31 days without alcohol had noticeable health benefits for regular drinkers, even without changes in diet and exercise. By the end of the month, participants who abstained from alcohol showed improvements in: Insulin resistance Weight Blood pressure Liver function Cancer-related growth factors In the long term, cutting back on alcohol can improve mood, sleep, cancer risk, and immunity. Ready to hop on the “sober curious” trend this January? Click here for 40 fun mocktail recipes to enjoy all month long. Source article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29730627 Cannabis Positive Community Norms Did you know that on average, people tend to overestimate the prevalence of substance use in their communities? From college campuses to high schools, people consistently misperceive the likelihood that the people around them are using substances. In Medfield, the vast majority of middle and high school students do not use cannabis (marijuana), and that percentage has followed a downward trend over time. Through sustained education, public health awareness campaigns, and other multi-sector prevention initiatives aimed at creating healthy communities, Medfield has seen a significant decrease in the percentage of students who use cannabis. By continuing the conversation at home, you can reinforce these healthy decisions with the youth in your life. Click here to access our Adult Guide for Substance Use Prevention with tips for talking to youth about substances. iDECIDE: Evidence-Based Substance Use Education for Youth To support high school students who would like to learn more about substance use prevention, we are offering a voluntary psychoeducation program developed in partnership by Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR). iDECIDE is an educational program intended to inform students of brain development, neurobiology, risk and protective factors, industry tactics, and healthy alternatives to substance use. This program is intended to support students in making informed decisions about their substance use and health. Click here to complete the iDECIDE interest form, or email Krissy King at kking@medfield.net for more information. Ready to join get involved in this important work? Attend a meeting! Medfield Outreach Advisory Board - the 4th Monday of every month | 6:00-7:30 PM | Medfield Outreach office Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) - the 4th Wednesday of every month | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Zoom Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) - the last Wednesday of every month | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Hybrid: In-person at the Medfield Outreach Office & via Zoom *Email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net for more information and Zoom links! Connect with us! Would you like to receive the next edition of our newsletter directly to your inbox? Subscribe today! Subscribe Medfield Outreach | 88R South St Door 12 | Medfield, MA 02052 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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Posted in Children, Events, health, Information, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield High School, Medfield Outreach, Schools, Teens

Yoga on the Turf – noon, SUNDAY

Posted on September 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Yoga on the Turf – noon, SUNDAY

From Medfield Outreach & Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention –

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Posted in MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield Outreach

MCSP’s “Path for Hope” Walk 11:30 AM Sunday – Medfield Rail Trail

Posted on April 29, 2025 | Comments Off on MCSP’s “Path for Hope” Walk 11:30 AM Sunday – Medfield Rail Trail

From Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –

MCSP’s Path for Hope Walk this Sunday, May 4th
11:30 AM at the Medfield Rail Trail
Hosted by the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention

This Mental Health Awareness Month of May, come walk with us as we build community, raise awareness, and honor those impacted by suicide. Path for Hope is more than just a walk; it’s a walk to foster community, connection and hope. It’s a show of support, a step toward healing, and a reminder that no one should walk alone in their struggles.

Sponsored by MCSP, a community-led coalition administered by Medfield Outreach, the Town of Medfield’s social service department.  The mission of MCSP is to promote the mental health and emotional well-being of all community members. The vision of MCSP is to build a community where suicide, self-harm, and stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care, and acceptance.

This free, family-friendly event is open to all. Donations are welcome to support the vital work of MCSP: www.medfieldfoundation.org/make-a-donation

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Posted in Events, health, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach, Medfield Rail Trail

Yoga on the Turf Sunday at noon by MCSP

Posted on September 27, 2024 | Comments Off on Yoga on the Turf Sunday at noon by MCSP

From Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke –

Join Us for Yoga on the Turf – Supporting Suicide Prevention Awareness

In honor of Suicide Awareness Month, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) invites you to our annual Yoga on the Turf event on Sunday, September 29, at 12 PM on the Medfield High School turf. This all-levels yoga class will be led by Paula Cleary from Medfield Yoga Studio and is open to everyone, from beginners to seasoned practitioners.

The class is FREE, but donations are kindly encouraged to support MCSP’s mission of promoting mental health, raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing education to prevent suicide within our community.  

What to Bring: Your own mat and a water bottle
Who: ALL AGES and skill levels welcome!

Thank you for standing with us in support of mental health and suicide prevention.

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Posted in Entertainment, Events, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield High School, Recreation, Sports

Purple ribbons for suicide prevention month, by MCSP & Medfield Outreach

Posted on September 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Purple ribbons for suicide prevention month, by MCSP & Medfield Outreach

In addition to being thankful to the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Medfield Outreach for putting up the purple ribbons and notes, please notice how many nails and staples there are in that one telephone pole. There must have been many, many flyers on that pole. I wonder how old the oldest one was.

The following further explanation is from one of my fellow Plaintiff personal injury attorneys on our Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys listserv:

September is National Recovery Month. What a wonderful way to bring the great hope of recovery to the forefront.

It is also National Suicide Prevention Month—a wonderful way to bring the great hope of prevention to the forefront.

The City of Boston has a great webpage with recent news and resources for support on both of these topics: https://www.boston.gov/news/september-suicide-prevention-month-and-national-recovery-month-0

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Yoga on The Turf Sunday 9/ 24 at 12pm

Posted on September 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Yoga on The Turf Sunday 9/ 24 at 12pm

From Anna Mae O’Shea Brooke for the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention –

September is Suicide Awareness Month and the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is hosting our annual Yoga on The Turf on Sunday, September 24 at 12pm at the high school turf. Tracy Buckley of Medfield Yoga Studio will host the class. The class is FREE, but donations to support the work and mission of the MCSP is greatly appreciated. 

MCSP works to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all community members, to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate our community to help end suicide. 

Open to ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS; beginners more than welcome! Bring your own mat and water bottle. Thank you for supporting the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

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Posted in Charity, Events, health, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Medfield High School, Medfield Outreach, Recreation, Sports

Suicide Prevention Training 10/18

Posted on September 20, 2023 | Comments Off on Suicide Prevention Training 10/18

From Kathy McDonald, Director of Medfield Outreach –

Hello MCSP Members, We are excited to announce a free QPR Training! Feel Free to share this email, post to your social media or any other way that you would like to get the word out. Thanks for your support with this very important training that can save lives. Please join us for a free, in-person QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training taking place at the Medfield Outreach office on Wednesday, October 18th from 7:00-8:30pm. All attendees must be 18 years of age or older to participate and registration is required. Please click on the link below to register. October 18th Suicide Prevention Training Registration Form Help us spread the word about this important opportunity by sharing the attached flyer. Questions? Email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net Kathy McDonald, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW Director, Medfield Outreach Pronouns: she/her/hers (what's this?) (508) 359-7121 x2 | Medfield Outreach Website kmcdonald@medfield.net Mailing Address: 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052 Physical Address: 88R South Street, Medfield, MA 02052

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Suicide Prevention Training this Evening

Posted on May 3, 2023 | Comments Off on Suicide Prevention Training this Evening

From Medfield Outreach –

Recognize the warning signs of suicide Know how to offer hope to loved ones Know how to get help and save lives During this training Registration Required you will learn to: scan here to sign-up This training is brought to you by the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) with support from Medfield Outreach. MCSP is supported in part by the Medfield Foundation. QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training free & open to all 18+ Medfield residents Join the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention for a May 3rd at 7:00pm in-person @ The Center in Medfield One Ice House Road Did you know that as a Medfield resident, you are eligible for services through the William James INTERFACE Referral Service? INTERFACE maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan who are residents of Medfield. Callers are matched from our extensive data base of licensed mental health providers. Each referral meets the location, insurance, availability, and specialty needs of the caller. Interface is funded by the Medfield Public Schools, Medfield Outreach and the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

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Medfield Outreach showing film about suicide at MHS Wednesday, 9/27 at 7PM

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Comments Off on Medfield Outreach showing film about suicide at MHS Wednesday, 9/27 at 7PM

From Medfield Outreach –

My Ascension: A Documentary Film and Movement to Spread Hope and Fight Suicide

WHEN: Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 7:00 pm

WHERE: Medfield High School Auditorium


WHAT/WHY:
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In order to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and suicide, the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP), a Medfield Foundation initiative, is hosting a screening of the film “My Ascension”, which documents the true story of a young woman who survived a suicide attempt. A panel discussion of mental health professionals will follow the film. This event is intended for adults and high school students and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 14.

REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/EERgi3daPtswRG679   

SYNOPSIS:
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the in the United States. My Ascension is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.

COST: This event is being offered free to the community. We kindly request donations to MCSP (click the registration link to see options for donations) if resources permit. No one will be denied participation based on inability to donate.

Questions? Contact Medfield Outreach at medfieldoutreach@medfield.net or at (508) 359-7121

**NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STUDENTS YOUNGER THAN HIGH SCHOOL AGED**

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MCSP funds another year of Interface Referral Service

Posted on December 19, 2020 | Comments Off on MCSP funds another year of Interface Referral Service

The raising of the funds to renew the Interface Referral Service annual membership (off of the town’s property taxes) was championed by MCSP stalwart Andreea Cazacu Hagood, MD.

This from the Medfield Patch –

MCSP funds another year of Interface Referral Service

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention is proud to announce the renewal of Interface Referral Service for 2020-2021.

By Colleen M. Sullivan, Patch MayorVerified User Badge
Dec 18, 2020 9:00 pm ET|Updated Dec 18, 2020 9:02 pm ET
  • https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/321386/20201214/034720/styles/patch_image/public/medfield-interface-card-front___14154315676.jpg
  • https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/321386/20201214/034720/styles/patch_image/public/interface-card-back___14154333211.jpgInterface Referral and Resource Card. (Courtesy photo)
Interface Referral and Resource Card.
Interface Referral and Resource Card.

MCSP funds another year of Interface Referral Service

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) is proud to announce successfully funding the renewal of Interface Referral Service for the Town of Medfield for 2020-2021. In a year as emotionally trying as 2020, MCSP hopes to increase the awareness of this valuable service for any resident of Medfield.

The William James INTERFACE Referral Service, offered through the Freedman Center, is a mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for residents of participating communities. Callers from these participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from an extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.

MCSP would like to thank the following organizations for their support and generous contributions that allow for the continued service: Norwood Hospital/Steward Health Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham, and CHNA7 – Community Health Coalition of Metrowest.

In addition to the aforementioned health partners, there are others to thank. Several local businesses and many community members have supported programming that raises funds for the coalition; others have shown their support by making donations. Special thanks to long time supporters: Tracy Buckley of Medfield Yoga Studio, Burning Wheel Yoga, and Karen Johnson.

MCSP is an initiative of Medfield Foundation, Inc. (MFi), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization administered by Medfield Outreach. For more information, visit medfieldfoundation.org. To donate, visit the Medfield Foundation’s Network for Good page. When making a donation through Network for Good, please be sure to include the name of the coalition (Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention) in the designation of the online form.

The Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention welcomes you to join monthly meetings and learn more about what we do! If you’re interested please email medfieldoutreach@medfield.net to be added to MCSP’s email list. Be sure to check out our social media and website at www.facebook.com/medfieldcsp and www.medfieldcsp.org

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Posted in Financial, health, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Safety