Worcester Program Granted Substance Abuse Prevention Funds

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester youth drug prevention programs was among 31 in Massachusetts receive funding through a $3.8 million grant, the Baker-Polito administration announced Tuesday.

The funding supports substance misuse prevention programs and is will be distributed over eight years to community engagement, strategy and innovative practices to help prevent substance abuse and misuse.

“The Commonwealth continues to invest in and support evidence-based initiatives that address the very serious issue of substance use among our young people,” Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “These awards build on the Administration’s commitment to expand pathways to substance use prevention programs at all levels in every area of the state.”

Distribution of the funds — provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant — will begin in 2022 and continue through 2029.

The City of Worcester's drug prevention program will receive $125,000 annually.

“Boosting the Commonwealth’s substance use prevention and treatment system infrastructure and capacity has been a top priority for us,” Lieutenant Gov. Karyn Polito said in a statement. “It is essential that these important programs be accessible to families and vulnerable young people.”