In a commendable move to combat the opioid crisis, the Town of Holliston has voted to allocate $50,000 from its opioid settlement funds to the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC). This decision, outlined in Article 23 and sponsored by the Select Board, aims to strengthen the town’s efforts in addressing the opioid epidemic through a series of targeted initiatives. 

Purpose and Funding Breakdown

The approved funds will support various strategic initiatives aimed at creating a resilient and informed community, actively reducing the harmful effects of substance misuse. HDAAC has a long history of fostering communication, collaboration, opportunities, and support for the people of Holliston. The coalition plans to use the funds to help those struggling with addiction and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery. The funds are intended to be spent in the following manner:

• Support People in Treatment & Recovery ($15,000): Engage non-profits, faith-based communities, and community coalitions to support individuals in treatment and recovery, as well as their family members.
• Connections to Care ($2,500): Support school-based services related to opioid use disorder (OUD), specifically through the “Handle with Care” program.
• Harm Reductions ($15,000): Increase the availability of naloxone and other overdose-reversing drugs for first responders, overdose patients, individuals with OUD, and their networks. Provide training and education on these drugs.
• Needs of Criminal-Justice-Involved Persons ($2,500): Collaborate with the Holliston Police Department on a post-intervention program for residents with substance use disorders (SUDs) and related criminal issues.
• Support for Pregnant or Parenting Women ($1,000): Work with local hospital maternity wards to provide resources and assistance for Holliston mothers and parenting women.
• Prevent Misuse of Opioids & Implement Prevention Education ($14,000): Support programs, policies, and practices that have proven effective in preventing drug misuse among youth. Implement a comprehensive strategic plan for substance misuse prevention, as outlined in the HDAAC DFC Action Plan.

Financial Context

The Opioid Stabilization Fund in Holliston has a current balance of $139,579. With $30,000 from this fund allocated for a position within Youth & Family Services in the FY2025 Operating Budget, HDAAC’s allocation of $50,000 leaves a remaining balance of $59,579. Additional settlement funds are expected over the next 10-15 years.

Contact HDAAC to Get Involved Today!

From the Coordinator:

Join us at our final meeting of the year in June! We invite all residents to join us Thursday, June 20th from 6-8 pm at 1750 Washington Street to learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute (dinner will be provided). Your involvement can make a significant impact on our collective efforts to combat substance misuse in Holliston. Note that most of our meetings take place monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm on Zoom.

Please email me at moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us to get involved and let me know if you would like to attend the June meeting, as we will need a headcount for food. 

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.hdaac.org for more information.