Spencer Area Peer Recovery Support Center Project

The Middle District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) proposes to implement the Spencer Area Peer Recovery Support Center Project. This project responds to Category 1 objectives: 1) locally driven responses to the use and misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other substances that expand access to treatment and recovery support services and 2) promote education and prevention activities. The MDAO is the prosecution agency for the 60 communities in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The county has 862,111 residents and covers the largest geographical area of any Massachusetts county. This project was guided by the county’s law enforcement, municipal leaders, medical providers, treatment agencies, educational institutions, and others participating in the District Attorney’s Central Massachusetts Opioid Task Force. This multi-disciplinary group works together to assess risk and protective factors related to the opioid epidemic and support the development and implementation of strategic and collaborative solutions. COSSUP funding for the Spencer Area Peer Recovery Support Center Project will establish and operate a new peer-based recovery support center based in the area of Spencer Massachusetts. This project will improve access to services in the thirteen-town region of central western Massachusetts. Efforts will also include education and prevention programming for students, youth, and professionals across Worcester County and the distribution of Naloxone to first responders and families. As aligned with COSSUP priorities this project will accomplish the following: 1) Reduce the number of opioid overdoses and overdose deaths in Worcester County; 2) Decrease the incidence of Opioid Use Disorder in Worcester County; 3) Increase the number of individuals receiving treatment and recovery support services in Worcester County; and 4) Increase the use of evidence-based programming in schools and youth groups in Worcester County.