City Couple Launches ‘Haverhill Cares’ Initiative to Raise Awareness of Drug Addiction in Memory of Late Son

(File photograph)

Haverhill couple John and Kim know firsthand the impact drug addiction can have on a family. In October 2016, their 22-year-old son, Joey, lost his battle with addiction. In his memory, the pair created the Haverhill Cares initiative to help other families cope with tragedy.

John, who asked WHAV not to use his last name, developed the discussion group to “inform parents, guardians and family members trying to detect if their son or daughter has a problem before it’s too late.” To that end, John and Kim will have their first monthly meeting of Haverhill Cares Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, room 301.

Joining the couple for their inaugural meeting are Haverhill Police Sgt. John Rosario, Officer Eric MacKinnon and Officer Adam Durkee, along with Trinity Ambulance’s Kirk Brigham. The conversation is open to the public.

“I am just a regular guy who lost his son and wants to help people so they don’t have to go through what my family has been through,” John told WHAV.