Opioid working group reports $247,000 in community grants, 2 syringe kiosks and harm‑reduction outreach in Lynn

Candace McClory, a representative of the Lynn opioid working group, told the City Council on Feb. 25 that the group has awarded nine community innovation grants totaling $247,000 and has launched several harm-reduction measures including syringe kiosks, naloxone distribution and a harm‑reduction vending machine.

"We funded 9 programs with a total of $247,000," McClory said. The grants she detailed included $50,000 to Lynn Youth outreach for a 14‑passenger van, $50,000 to Ruth’s Way for recovery resource kits and short-term sober-house housing support, and $47,000 to the Lynn Senior Center for intergenerational activities supporting grandparents raising grandchildren. Additional grants included $20,000 awards for The Recovery Exchange, Girls Inc. and other local programs; smaller awards of $10,000 went to Link Community Health Center and Soul City (as listed in the materials provided to council).

McClory also reported early usage data from the working group’s harm‑reduction programs: the vending machine launched Jan. 24 has recorded about 200 transactions, dispensing…