For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura French 774-502-8567 or 774-317-2007
WORCESTER – The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded a Department of Justice Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant to establish a county-wide comfort dog mutual aid response program in partnership with municipal police departments. The grant will also support youth substance use prevention programming across Worcester County.
This initiative will expand the use of comfort dogs to support students, families, and community members during critical incidents and community outreach efforts. Funding will help formalize a coordinated mutual aid response system while strengthening existing programs and supporting the development of new comfort dog teams within local police departments.
Comfort dogs are an effective tool in helping reduce anxiety, support recovery from trauma, and promote emotional well-being. Through this program, trained teams will be available to respond across Worcester County when communities need them most.
District Attorney Early applauded the several police departments that have already been coordinating comfort dog responses.
“The impact that these dogs have on people experiencing traumatic situations is unbelievable,” said District Attorney Early. “Their presence brings an immediate sense of calm and reduction in anxiety and stress when its needed most, helping people feel more at ease during moments of crisis and trauma.”
Funding will support the training, coordination, and deployment of comfort dog teams, ensuring departments across Worcester County have the resources needed to respond effectively when called upon. By expanding access to these services, the program aims to ensure more individuals and communities receive timely support during difficult moments.
