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Millis approves six‑month SAFE Coalition pilot funded from opioid‑abatement money
Summary
After a presentation of survey results and program options, the select board authorized a $5,000 every‑six‑months pilot contract with SAFE Coalition (renewable once, not to exceed $10,000) to provide weekly walk‑in clinician hours at the library and community outreach paid from opioid‑abatement settlement funds.
The Town of Millis will fund a six‑month pilot with SAFE Coalition to provide opioid‑related walk‑in clinician hours and outreach, the select board voted unanimously on Aug. 18.
A presenter reviewed the Massachusetts opioid settlement distributions and local survey results. The discussion described a statewide settlement process beginning in July 2021 and noted the state keeps 60% for an Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund while municipalities receive 40% of what the state recovered for municipal use. Locally, the presenter said the town currently holds approximately $119,000 in opioid‑settlement funds and expects roughly $25,000 a year in ongoing payments, though future totals depend on additional national settlements.
Survey results cited by the presenter showed about 40% of respondents reported being impacted by the opioid epidemic; respondents ranked prevention/education, treatment and support for people in recovery as top priorities. SAFE Coalition proposed a trial service that would place a clinician at the public library for two hours a week on a walk‑in basis, provide event outreach and prevention education, and offer referral support.
The board and members of the public asked how the pilot would be measured. Resident Tim Duffy asked whether the contract includes reporting and how success would be evaluated; the board and staff responded that the pilot is six months long so the town can assess usage and request reporting at extension time. One resident, Jim McKay, described the effort as important for families: “This is such good news for somebody like myself who brings the child home,” praising the availability of emergency responders and information for families with autistic members.
On a motion, the board authorized the town administrator to sign a client services agreement with SAFE Coalition for $5,000 every six months with renewal for one additional six‑month term, not to exceed $10,000 total. The board also approved a request by SAFE Coalition to display a flag installation on the Veterans Memorial Building lawn Aug. 29–Sep. 1 in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Next steps: staff will execute the six‑month agreement, the SAFE Coalition pilot will begin outreach and library hours, and the board expects a follow‑up report on usage and outcomes at the end of the trial period.
