To the editor:
Our town is grieving today. As we mourn, many are asking: What can we do to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again?
The reality is that this is not simply a routine automobile crash. The obvious involvement of substance use and mental health struggles in this event cannot be avoided. Those issues represent real and increasing challenges in our community — especially for our young people. They should be the focus of our attention. To prevent this tragedy from reoccurring we must acknowledge that this may be the most recent example of a larger pattern. Preventing further tragedies will require us to break that pattern. That process will require thoughtful analysis and strong leadership.
Moving beyond the initial shock and sorrow, we must carefully examine what factors contributed to this event. Were there warning signs? Could earlier intervention, additional resources or stronger support systems have made a difference? To find answers to those questions, we need a process of thoughtful and respectful community introspection. It must be informed by what we know about the physical and mental development of our children, about how we educate those children about managing risks and developing resilience as they become young adults, and how established principles of public health prevention can be applied in this situation.
The process of preventing future occurrences should focus on how we:
- Strengthen our education and prevention programs regarding substance use.
- Expand access to mental health services for our students.
- Reduce the stigma associated with mental health so that youth and families feel
- safe asking for help.
- Offer more safe and healthy outlets for young people.
These will not be easy conversations, but they are necessary ones. Public debate and community involvement will be essential as we consider the next steps. Ultimately, we must decide together — either in the annual Town Meeting or special sessions — how to turn this tragedy into long-lasting change that will protect our young people in the future.
I can write today only as an individual citizen, but I have no doubt that the Board of Health will be dealing with these challenges in the days ahead. There is no question that the board will be available to serve as a very active partner in any strategy for positive change that will be proposed. We invite and encourage participation from the town residents in our efforts.
Respectfully,
Tom Massaro
Lafayette Street
The letter writer chairs the Board of Health but is writing as a private citizen.
