Researchers at the MGH COE just published a new project assessing whether or not the medication varenicline can help youth to stop vaping nicotine. Read the full study at the following link: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

Kiva Centers has 3 Peer-Run Respites + Mobile Peer Respites available anywhere in MA. Respites are trauma-informed, non-clinical alternatives for people experiencing emotional distress or what is called "crisis." Physical respites have 24/7 Peer Advocates and offer a safe, homelike environment #peer

Kiva Centers is an indigenous-led, peer-run, trauma informed organization offering peer support, trainings, advocacy support, and more. Kiva Centers offers non-clinical crisis alternatives, support transitioning in and out of psychiatric facilities, and the MA Peer Workforce Coalition.

The Peer-Run Respite "Afiya" by the Wildflower Alliance is place to find support and rest, and an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. Afiya is fully run by Peers and seeks to provide a safe place for people to process their experiences in a relaxing and non-clinical setting #peersupport

The Wildflower Alliance has locations in Greenfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, and Springfield. All centers are run by and for people w/ lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use challenges, and other life challenges. View each center for location-specific details. #communitycenter

The Wildflower Alliance serves Western Massachusetts and is a peer support organization focused on harm reduction and human rights. The Wildflower Alliance offers peer-to-peer support, alternative medicine (yoga, acupuncture, and more) as well as systems and individual advocacy support. #PeerSupport

The Metro Boston Recovery Learning Center has 4 centers in Metro Boston - 3 in Boston and 1 in Cambridge. Check each location for open hours, Zoom options, and Center specialities!

If you're in Boston, the Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community is the one for you. MBRLC centers are drop-in, community-driven, and run by peers (people who have lived experience with trauma, substance use challenges, mental health challenges, and other life challenges)

The SERLC has locations in Quincy, Brockton, Hyannis, and Fall River, Massachusetts. Find the center nearest to you and click on each to find out about each location's hours and programs!

The Southeast RLC is a free, peer-run community in southeast MA that offers support and community for those with lived experience of trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and other life challenges. The SERLC also offers fun events, speaker events, volunteering, arts groups, and much more!

First up - the Northeast Recovery Learning Community (NERLC), which serves the Northeast region of Massachusetts. They offer Peer support, social events, many support groups, referrals, mental health resources & information, and more! Make an appt. to visit in Lawrence or Lynn! #recoverycommunity

Respiratory illnesses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are on the rise in Boston. Stay healthy & take steps to prevent sickness. Get vaccinated, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, & wash your hands often with warm soap & water for at least 20 seconds.

Learn more: boston.gov/respiratory-protection.

Battling the chronic stress of daily life can be challenging, but implementing some life-style habits and self-care practices can help to combat stress. Swipe on to see more ideas on how to cope with and reduce stress ➡

Chronic stress takes its toll on our bodies, physically and mentally. Symptoms can include aches and pains, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, feelings of depression, anxiety, and/or hopelessness, headaches, and getting sick more easily. So, how do we cope with chronic stress? Post coming soon!

Our close colleague, Dr. Carol Lim, went to Guinea-Bissau on a medical service trip -- read about her trip and perspective on the climate crisis and what it means for at-risk locations: tinyurl.com/GB-Climate