The Milford Recovery Center and Substance Use Prevention Project

The Middle District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) proposes to implement the
Milford Recovery Center and Substance Use Prevention 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 Milford Recovery Center and Substance Use
Prevention Project will continue operations and expand services at Chris’ Corner, a successful
peer-based recovery center located in Milford Massachusetts. This project will improve access to
services through increased direct care staffing and expanded hours of operation – resulting in the
capacity to serve twice as many people each year. 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.