Springfield Engagement Goal
- Engage stakeholders to develop a resource center that would contain program, contact, and other information needed to help people identify available options and access treatment
Springfield Stakeholder Engagement #1
The Massachusetts team used a single, large group discussion format to engage stakeholders in Springfield. They convened a two-hour engagement of community stakeholders at the Springfield District Court. Discussion items included the following:
- Judge Charles Groce of the Springfield District Court welcomed stakeholders and opened a discussion on addressing barriers to substance abuse treatment in the community.
- Community stakeholders and organizations shared information about their efforts in the area and potential strategies for working together.
- Participants discussed themes and resources for future engagement activities.
Springfield Stakeholder Engagement #2
The Massachusetts team and its partners convened a second engagement in Springfield with both new and previous stakeholders.
The team employed a World Café format to engage stakeholders and guided the session with a slideshow. Three small groups alternated between tables to discuss community solutions to drug abuse. The Massachusetts team provided note-taking sheets for table facilitators and scribes to capture themes from the World Café discussions.
The small group World Café exercise covered three main questions, several sub-questions, and an additional bonus item:
- What are some of our community’s strengths?
- What resources already exist in our community to combat substance use disorders?
- What are some of the challenges to addressing substance use disorders?
- What are some gaps in resources or services that exist?
- What challenges do you find when working with individuals, families, friends, and the community impacted by substance use disorders?
- What are some gaps in resources or services that exist?
- What challenges do you find when working with individuals, families, friends, and the community impacted by substance use disorders?
- Bonus item: Based on the conversations that you just had, what do you think should be your top five priorities?
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Springfield Engagement Results
Specific key findings in Springfield included:
- Some individuals resist seeking treatment because they are afraid of possible legal consequences.
- Lack of an overnight emergency shelter in the community is a major gap in resources.