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Finance Committee backs full-time peer behavioral health support specialist funded by opioid settlement dollars
Summary
The Finance Committee recommended approval of a warrant article that would continue funding a full-time peer behavioral health support specialist using opioid settlement appropriations. Staff said the full annual cost is roughly $100,000 (with benefits) and the FY26 request is $82,000 reflecting partial-year savings; committee requested quarterly
The Town of Needham Finance Committee voted March 12, 2025 to recommend approval of a warrant article to continue funding a full-time peer behavioral health support specialist using opioid settlement funds.
Tim McDonald, who presented the article, said the role—titled Peer Behavioral Health Support Specialist—serves as a recovery coach: "Essentially, a recovery coach, a person who's living in recovery that works with people who are currently addicted to substances or any stage of recovery to try to help them navigate their journey," he said. McDonald told the committee the position moved…
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