Malden Legislators Tout $60K In Funding For Recovery Services Programs

MALDEN, MA — Malden state legislators recently gathered with municipal leaders for a visit highlighting $60,000 in state funding for the Malden-based Club 24, which provides various recovery services for local individuals battling addiction.

The city shared information from the visit last week, calling Club 24 “a fixture in the Malden community” for its work.

“It is crucial that we continue to invest in programs and organizations that provide support to those suffering from substance abuse disorder,” State Rep. Steven Ultrino said through the city’s statement. “Club 24 has provided those in recovery a safe space and resources to help them start their lives anew.”

“I’m grateful to our Legislative Delegation for continuing to prioritize the vital work and efforts to assist those living with substance use disorder," Malden Mayor Gary Christenson added. "These funds will go a long way to improve a building where individuals in recovery gather as they share their experiences and continue to navigate sobriety."

State money is backing HVAC upgrades, new energy efficient lighting and other facility improvements at Club 24.

Paul Hammersley, who serves as a board member for Club 24, among other roles, called the money “a huge boost” for Club 24 and the city’s broader addiction support network.

“I’m thankful to everyone at the City of Malden and the State House that secured this funding to allow us to make the repairs we need to continue to operate while looking to the future,” he said.

Malden has been hit by the ongoing drug crisis, with state data showing 93 local deaths due to opioid overdoses between 2017 and 2021. Twenty-one people died in Malden due to overdoses last year, according to that same data.

A planned event in Reading next week will look to honor some of the lives lost to addiction in Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester. The same event will also celebrate recovery and provide recovery resources to attendees, according to organizers.

Find local resources for addiction and recovery support here, as compiled by Malden Overcoming Addiction.