Saugus takes stand against drug abuse

SAUGUS – The Saugus Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 Wednesday to proclaim September as “National Recovery Month” in the town.Saugus United Against Substance Abuse (SUASA) was formed after Saugus joined Winthrop, Chelsea, and Revere to form Winnisimmet Regional Opioid Collaborative (WROC) to fight back against the ongoing opiate drug problem in the area.SUASA is a nonprofit that hosts events such as free Narcan training and educational sessions. Narcan is a nasal spray that is used to prevent a drug overdose.Selectmen Jennifer D’Eon read the proclamation, stating, “It is critical to educate our friends, family members, health care providers that substance abuse and mental health disorders are treatable and that people should seek assistance.”The goal is to help more people achieve long-term recovery and to learn about recovery, she said.The town will also hold its second annual Saugus candlelight vigil on Sunday, Sept. 22, D’Eon said. It “remembers those whose lives got cut short to alcohol and other drugs and provides family members and friends with the opportunity to gain strength and support from other community members who have experienced a similar loss.”A banner will hang from Essex Street to School Street proclaiming National Recovery Month.Also Wednesday, Attorney Peter Rossetti, in an update on progress with the Hilltop site, said, “We anticipate having plans to show as soon as we hear from the attorney general. We request that the town be patient with us.”The board asked Rossetti to report back in 60 days.Saugus resident Jack Perry voiced his concern about local drainage problems.”I don’t know how long it’s been since the drains have been flushed out,” he said. “Out of seven drains, six will have water in them.”There are a lot of homes at the bottom of the hill,” he said, and flooding has been a problem.”I’m asking the committee to look into it and to find a solution,” Perry said.Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the storm drains themselves are cleaned out periodically and that he would have the DPW get in direct contact with Perry to talk about his concerns and try to fix the problem.An update of plans for the town’s Sept. 13 parade was also provided. The parade route will be 1.7 miles long and will begin and end at the high school. There will be about 2,600 marchers and two Salem trolleys for those who can’t march but want to participate.