ACTON — The Town of Acton Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, in partnership with Acton Memorial Library, will host a community screening of “The Anonymous People” on Tuesday, Sept. 29, as part of National Recovery Month.
The screening will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St.. Following the screening, community members will discuss recovery, stigma, support and the role communities can play in helping people remain connected to care.
National Recovery Month is observed each September, recognising people in recovery and raising awareness of behavioral health and substance use disorders, treatment and recovery practices. The month also recognizes the role families, service providers and communities play in supporting those in recovery.
The screening aligns with the Town’s continuation of behavioral health and substance use needs identified through its 2026 Community Health Equity Needs Assessment. The assessment identified behavioral health and substance use as areas needing continued community attention, including challenges related to stigma, misconceptions, services and connecting residents with resources.
Through community engagement efforts, the Public Health Department specifically identified concerns about the influence of stigma and culture on conversations about behavioral health and substance use, as well as challenges in understanding when to seek support.
Directed by Greg D. Williams, “The Anonymous People” is a documentary featuring people living in long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The film explores recovery, stigma, advocacy and community connection while highlighting the experiences of people living successfully in recovery.
The screening is part of a broader partnership between Acton HHS and Acton Memorial Library during Recovery Month. The two departments are also working together to expand access to books, films and educational materials addressing substance use, recovery, harm reduction, families, peer support and lived experience.
“Building a System of care is about more than responding when someone reaches the point of crisis,” said Penelope Funaiole, Acton’s Health & Human Services Director. “It is also about creating a community where people feel comfortable asking for help, know where to turn, and can remain connected to support. Recovery Month allows us to make those conversations more visible and remind residents and families that they do not have to navigate them alone.”
Residents seeking free, confidential mental health or substance use support can call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445.
About Acton Health & Human Services
Acton Health & Human Services works with residents, Town departments, and community partners to promote health and well-being, improve access to resources, and strengthen connections to services throughout the community.
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