#MaldenStopTheStigma Day 2023
On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, Malden Overcoming Addiction held their annual, #MaldenStopTheStigma Day. The whirlwind tour of schools started at the Beebe at 8:15 am and ended with a visit to Malden High School that concluded at 2:15 pm. In between, members of the Board of Directors of Malden Overcoming Addiction visited every public school in Malden and also made presentations at the Cheverus School and Malden Catholic High School. MOA extends deep its appreciation and thanks to all of the students and staff who participated. The increased awareness and education in schools will help us as we continue the work.
Prior to the day, the Malden High School Media program, under the guidance of teacher/advisor Jim Valente, created a video around stereotyping and stopping stigma that was shown in each of the schools before MOA staff arrived. TASK members from the Malden YWCA had their video shared with MPS staff and employees as well. Their “Faces of Recovery” project, led this summer by Chris Murphy and Paul Hammersley was highlighted at a recent Malden School Committee meeting and focused on people in recovery and their stories.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy accompanied MOA staff to each of the public schools and spoke about the resources available throughout the City of Malden and within the Malden Public Schools. MOA President Paul Hammersley spoke of the need for more love and kindness and not stigma when he addressed students. All of the schools made time for the guest speaker and MOA Vice-President Dana Brown who asked all students and staff for their support in ending the stigma attached to substance use disorder. MPS staffer Steve Freker was also at each school, capturing in pictures the efforts of the students and staff in making this a powerful #MaldenStopTheStigma Day. Malden Police were also at each school, signifying the support they provide for MOA and the Malden Public Schools throughout the year. MOA Board members Linda Cochran and Paul Bell represented the organization throughout the day.
March 8, 2023 was also proclaimed as #MaldenStopTheStigma Day by Mayor Gary Christenson in a video presentation held at City Hall. The Mayor’s proclamation highlighted the efforts of MOA since its inception nearly ten years ago.
Using social media as a platform, community activists, first responders, citizens, and non-profit groups across the City promoted the day with the hashtag #MaldenStopTheStigma. Many posted pictures showing the blue ribbons they wore to support the cause.
View photos of the day here.
