### Massachusetts Ramps Up Efforts to Combat the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across Massachusetts, but a series of recent initiatives and funding allocations offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against this devastating crisis.

### State and Federal Funding

Massachusetts is set to receive a significant boost in funding to tackle the opioid epidemic. Nearly $60 million in federal grants, secured by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, along with other members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, will be directed towards state and tribal opioid response and prevention efforts. This funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will support prevention programs, expand access to treatment, and provide holistic care for those affected by substance use disorder.

### Opioid Settlement Funds

In addition to federal funding, Massachusetts is also leveraging opioid settlement funds to address the crisis. Over $900 million is expected to be received from nationwide financial settlements with opioid manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and pharmacies over the next 18 years. Of this amount, 40% will be allocated to municipalities, while 60% will go into the statewide Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF) for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs.

### Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership

A key initiative in this effort is the Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) and RIZE Massachusetts. This program aims to support community-based organizations, particularly those in historically underserved communities, through a $3.75 million grant over three years. The first round of grants has already been awarded to 18 grassroots organizations, providing them with funding ranging from $16,000 to $150,000 annually to focus on areas such as prevention, harm reduction, connections to care, and recovery supports.

### Community-Centric Approach

The Mosaic program is designed to be more than just a grant initiative; it is a commitment to centering the voices of people with lived experience and ensuring that the funds directly benefit the communities most impacted by the opioid crisis. This approach includes providing unrestricted funding, allowing organizations to address urgent and emerging issues, sustain operations, and strengthen their infrastructure.

### Legislative Support

The Massachusetts Senate has also taken action by passing legislation to expand support for residents coping with substance use disorder. The