The city of lawrence, MA will implement a comprehensive and connected continuum of care for substance misuse prevention in lawrence

The City of Lawrence, MA was awarded a $1,298,760 Project Grant under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (CFDA 16.838) from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance. The purpose of the 3-year grant, running from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, is to implement a comprehensive continuum of care for substance misuse prevention in Lawrence, with a focus on reducing disproportionate rates of opioid and stimulant misuse and overdoses among high-risk populations. Key project activities include establishing a multidisciplinary partnership to coordinate real-time data, embedding peers and social workers at community and justice system intercepts, and providing education and prevention programs for at-risk youth. The grant will enable the city and its partners to better prevent, respond to, and treat those impacted by substance use disorders, with a emphasis on serving historically underserved and marginalized groups.

The purpose is to reduce the disproportionate rates of illicit opioid and stimulant misuse and overdoses in lawrence, MA, with a focus on males in their thirties and forties, homeless individuals, high-risk youth 14 24 years old, active users of illicit opioids and stimulants, and criminal justice-involved individuals. Project activities include the hub multidisciplinary partnership coordinating and using real-time data; embedding peers, social workers, and people with lived experience at the community, law enforcement, and court intercepts; and providing education and prevention programs for at-risk youth. The expected outcome is that the city and grant partners are better able to prevent, respond to, and treat those impacted by illicit opioid and stimulant misuse. The project brings together individuals with lived experience and diverse partners that serve populations that have been historically underserved, marginalized, adversely affected by inequality and disproportionality impacted by crime. Subrecipient activities include outreach, education, supportive wrap around peer support, transportation, and training.