Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
During an MMA webinar, officials review issues and strategies related to the use of opioid settlement funds. Pictured, clockwise from the top left, are Cheryl Sbarra from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, and Brittney Garrett and Liz Leingang, both from the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative.
An MMA webinar on Sept. 26 reviewed issues and strategies related to the statewide opioid settlement fund.
Julia Newhall from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Cheryl Sbarra from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards provided an overview of the state law that established the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund and Advisory Council, as well as key components of the Massachusetts State Subdivision Agreement, including approved strategies municipalities are permitted to fund, reporting requirements, and resources provided by Care Massachusetts: The Opioid Abatement Partnership.
Liz Leingang and Brittney Garrett from the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative discussed how these funds are being leveraged across the country, as well as some of the challenges communities are encountering.
The webinar discussed examples of the use of opioid funds in Massachusetts. Dan Cortez, community engagement specialist with the Chelsea Police Department, discussed the Chelsea Hub model. Natashia Patricio, program coordinator for the New Bedford Police Department, and Karen MacDonald, public health task force coordinator for the New Bedford Health Department, discussed New Bedford’s use of the funds.
• Opioid Settlement Fund Usage Overview – PAARI presentation (5M PDF)