Marblehead Continues to Encourage Conversations on Addiction and Recovery Through Education Series

MARBLEHEAD – Real people. Real conversations. Healthier communities. The Marblehead Police and Public Health Departments are continuing in their efforts to foster productive conversations on addiction and recovery by holding another six-week educational program. 

The free educational series was launched in February 2026 by the Marblehead Police and Public Health Departments to provide residents with a deeper, more informed perspective on addiction, recovery and the resources available within the community. 

Now, beginning on Oct. 20, a second “Understanding Addiction and Recovery” educational series will be held. 

The series will be held over Zoom every Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. from Oct. 20 until Nov. 24. Conversations will be facilitated by Michelle Simons, a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Addiction Studies Educator who also serves as the Town of Swampscott’s Opioid Settlement Fund Project Coordinator, and Gina Rabbitt, Licensed Mental Health Clinician, employed by Beth Israel Lahey Health, and embedded in the Marblehead Police Department as their in-house Jail Diversion Clinician/Co-Responder.

The sessions are open to the public and aim to create a welcoming, judgement-free space for learning and discussion. 

“This series plays an important role in reshaping conversations around addiction to focus on empathy and understanding simply by raising awareness of what addiction may look like,” said Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King. “Our first series in February was extremely productive and thought-provoking, and we are pleased to be able to collaborate with the Public Health Department so that the series can continue to reach more members of our community.”

Throughout the six-week program, participants will explore a range of topics, including:

• What addiction is and what it may look like. 
• Signs & symptoms of substance-use disorders.
• The science of addiction and recovery. 
• How addiction impacts families and communities.
• How to respond to someone who may be struggling. 
• Local resources and pathways to help. 

For more information, contact Michelle Simons, michelle.simons24@gmail.com, or Gina Rabbitt, RabbittG@marbleheadma.gov.