Beverly High Awarded $324K State Grant To Battle Substance Abuse

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly High School is one of three in the state that will share in $972,000 in grants to fund substance-abuse programs for students ages 13 through 17.

The state Department of Public Health said Beverly, Boston and Springfield will receive the grants for students with a substance use disorder or who have been identified as high risk. The program, which in Beverly will be administered through the Northshore Education Consortium, will include educational tutoring, recreational activities, year-round after-school and out-of-school programs as well as intervention and recovery support programs.

"This program will be a positive step towards increasing Massachusetts' capacity for targeted after-school enrichment for youths affected by or at risk for substance use disorder," said state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Director Deidre Calvert. "Providing youths meaningful understanding for their diverse paths to recovery, as well as effective support in times of need, will protect their continued recovery and integration with greater society."

The grants will be paid out over three years with a $54,000 installment in the first and third year and a $216,000 installment in the second year funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's State Opioid Response grant.

"This award will provide meaningful, effective, and purpose-driven supports for adolescents with substance use disorder," state Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)