Substance Use Prevention and Support

The Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General and many other Attorneys General have settled lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for their role in contributing to the devastation caused by the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth. The settlements provide that the defendants pay states and municipalities billions of dollars annually, with a current end date of 2038 to supplement and strengthen resources for opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Massachusetts is anticipated to receive approximately $900 million for abatement of the opioid epidemic. (MAHB, https://mahb.org/appropriation-of-opioid-settlement-funds/)

Under the terms of the Commonwealth’s approved State-Subdivision Agreement, forty percent (40%) of the funds will be directly allocated to the state’s municipalities to be spent on abatement strategies developed with input from the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council. Council members include public health experts, municipal and state leaders and families affected by opioid use. (MAHB, https://mahb.org/appropriation-of-opioid-settlement-funds/). 

At this time, Wellesley expects to receive approximately $1.8 million over the duration of the disbursement period, 2023-2038. The Wellesley Health Department is committed to using these funds to support the health and well-being of Wellesley residents with a focus on the prevention , harm reduction, treatment and recovery of substance use disorder. 

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Quick Facts

What are the guidelines for using Opioid Settlement Funds? According to the Massachusetts State Subdivision Agreement, The Commonwealth and its municipalities have a shared commitment to using abatement funds to supplement and strengthen resources available to Massachusetts communities and families for substance use disorder prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Specifically, municipalities should develop a program that incorporates the following:

  • reflects the input of our communities, of people who have personal experience with the opioid crisis, of experts in treatment and prevention, and of staff and organizations that are carrying out the abatement work;
  • addresses disparities in existing services and outcomes and improves equity and the health of individuals and communities disadvantaged by race, wealth, and stigma, including through efforts to increase diversity among service providers;
  • addresses mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and other behavior health needs that occur together with opioid use disorder (“OUD”); leverages programs and services already reimbursed by state agencies and programs, including direct care reimbursed by MassHealth and the state’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (“BSAS”); and
  • encourages innovation, fills gaps and fixes shortcomings of existing approaches; supplements rather than supplants resources for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery; includes evidence-based, evidence-informed, and promising programs; and
  • takes advantage of the flexibility that is allowed for these funds.

How much will Wellesley receive from Opioid Settlement Funds (OSF)? The current amount already disbursed to Wellesley is approximately $550,000.  Wellesley anticipates receiving about $1.8 million total by 2038, with varying amounts allocated each year. 

What does Wellesley have planned for the Opioid Settlement Funds? The Health Department,  in compliance with the Massachusetts State Subdivision Agreement (linked here) and also through our mission to protect and improve the health and quality of life for residents and the work force, is engaging in a three part process to determine how funds should be allocated. The full plan is linked here.  

How can I get involved? The WHD has developed a community health survey to identify priority health needs of Wellesley residents.  We value resident input and encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and perspectives as the Town considers next steps. Click this link to  provide feedback,  or call us at 781-489-4407. You can also email us at health@wellesley.ma.gov. 

Community feedback is essential to ensuring that future actions reflect local priorities and support the health and wellbeing of all who live and work in Wellesley. 


 

Need Narcan? The WHD has free Narcan available. Call us  at 781-235-0135 and ask to speak to the nurse. Calls are confidential. 

Visit our Narcan Program webpage for more information. 

What to do in an Overdose Emergency