March 24, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Continuing its commitment to youth substance abuse prevention, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office recently presented “Just Once,” an impactful presentation addressing the dangers of experimenting with drugs and the risks associated with prescription medication misuse, to seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students at Springfield’s Renaissance School.

The program, presented by the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety and Outreach unit (CSO), features a 24-minute documentary with powerful testimonies from former local high school students, their parents and addiction experts who share their experiences with substance use disorder and recovery. The film delivers a stark warning: trying a drug “just once” can lead to devastating consequences.

In addition to the documentary, students heard from guest speaker Adam Bartlett who shared his personal story of addiction, loss, and recovery, reinforcing the real-life consequences of substance use.

At the end of the presentation, students had the opportunity to ask questions. One asked how they could encourage their friend to stop vaping. The CSO team advised that student to talk to their friend and encourage them to make healthy choices.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni emphasized the importance of early intervention and education: “Our goal with ‘Just Once’ is to prevent tragedies before they happen. By sharing real stories from our own community, we hope to equip students with the knowledge and resilience to make informed, life-saving choices.”

The “Just Once” presentation is part of the Hampden District Attorney’s ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and the opioid crisis through education, prevention, and community engagement. Schools, parent organizations and community groups interested in hosting a presentation can contact the CSO unit at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.