For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-688-5565
508-368-7236
MILFORD — The federal Department of Justice has awarded the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and its partners in greater Milford a $1 million grant to enhance access to recovery treatment for people suffering from substance use disorder, according to District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
The DOJ grant for $1,092,869 will allow the partnership to expand opioid-abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services. The partnership is planning to establish a new free-standing resource recovery center in Milford and expand the program beyond greater Milford.
“This is an exciting program and the DA’s office is happy join our partners within the greater Milford area,” Mr. Early said. “This collaboration of police departments and mental health providers will help people dealing with addiction to access services.”
Over the last 16 years, the Milford Police Department, in partnership with Community Impact Inc., has established a sustainable regional coalition called the Juvenile Advocacy Group. Over the last three years, the partners created the Regional Substance Navigation Program to address the impact of the opioid epidemic.
The Regional Substance Navigation Program represents Milford, Upton, Hopedale, Medway and Bellingham. The program has seen a reduction in overdose deaths and a significant increase in people who are reaching out for support prior to experiencing an overdose.
“We are seeing approximately two new individuals a day who are reaching out to begin their journey of recovery,” said Amy Leone, Director of Community Impact Inc. “With the support of this grant and our continued relationship with the Milford Police Department we will create a resource center in the Milford area to facilitate positive change and long-term, sustainable recovery.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with Amy Leone, our law enforcement partners, and the District Attorney’s Office,” said Milford Police Chief Michael Pighetti. “I’m truly excited about the opportunity to be involved and working to decrease opioid use and abuse for the entire county.”