Melrose Lays Out Usage Plan For Latest Opioid Abatement Funds

MELROSE, MA — City leadership announced how it plans to use its latest funding from statewide opioid settlements Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund.

The opioid settlements are a series of nationwide legal agreements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies that are expected to bring more than $1 billion into the Commonwealth to be used by municipalities to implement prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those affected by substance use disorder.

Melrose is slated to implement a Youth Action Team Advisor into the school district to lead projects and activities that promote healthy living and positive choices. Graduates of the already-established Youth Action Team can be eligible for scholarships baked on their level of involvement. In addition, the city’s Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with the district to review the district’s health education using a program known as the Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool. Recovery supplies and resources will also be directly delivered to local support groups and recovery meetings. Those resources include job training, emergency gift cards, and childcare. Transportation services for those who need help getting to recovery-related programs and meetings.

Narcan accessibility and training will continue to be expanded, which is already made available in numerous locations throughout the city. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, it will host sessions with the community moving forward to solicit feedback on how to continue using opioid settlement funding moving forward.