Gardner and 3 towns Lead Opioid Funds Commitment
Opioid Distributors, Manufacturers, and Retailers had reached a settlement a few years ago which allowed funds to be distributed to Massachusetts cities and towns. The only problem: Most communities haven’t spent the funds, with Gardner and 3 local communities being notable exceptions. Early on, Gardner, Westminster, Winchendon, and Templeton came up with a plan to fully utilize the funding regionally, fully spending it to help combat the epidemic of fatal overdoses. Funds are expended in categories such as connections to care, criminal justice support, family support, harm reduction, opioid misuse prevention, and opioid use disorder treatment.
After the local achievement was highlighted on Boston television, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson posted, “I’m proud to see that Gardner is one of only four communities in Massachusetts to have fully spent and committed the funds we received through the Opioid Settlement from opioid distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. When the Opioid Settlement funds were announced, I called Rep Jon Zlotnik and then City Council President Lizzy Kazinskas to come up with a plan for the funding. Rep. Zlotnik then set up meetings with our surrounding communities to come up with a regional plan to pool our funding together and partner with GAAMHA to hire a regional Recovery Support Navigator to assist our local police departments in responding to overdose calls. This bachelor’s level clinician helps those struggling with addiction by performing assessments of the individuals needs, their family situations, and come up with a recovery plan.“
Nicholson: “Thank you to Representative Zlotnik for bringing Gardner, Winchendon, Westminster, and Templeton together for this partnership, Shawn Hayden and GAAMHA, Inc. for the work they do in partnership with the Gardner Police Department, and Senator John Velis for his advocacy on this statewide. The opioid epidemic has impacted so many in our City, our region, and the Commonwealth. Every number listed and statistic stated is a person- someone’s relative, friend, co-worker, classmate, etc. Gardner will continue to do all we can to combat the opioid epidemic.”
Publisher’s Note: Statewide, the total funds received by 336 participating municipalities in fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024 was just over $91million. Total Funds expended by 208 municipalities required to submit a report, only $6.7 million. The issue: Funds are sitting in municipal coffers and are thus not serving the intended purpose. Once again, The City of Gardner has taken a lead on an issue, along with Winchendon, Westminster, and Templeton through proactive leadership. There is a dashboard maintained by CARE MASSACHUSETTS, The Opioid Abatement Partnership which provides detailed information. CLICK HERE.