The opioid crisis has touched families across Holliston, and our response must include prevention, recovery support, and remembrance. As of September 2026, Holliston had received more than $200,000 in opioid settlement payments, with more than $400,000 in additional payments projected throughout 2039. These dollars offer an opportunity to support residents affected by opioid use and strengthen our community’s response.
Through Town Meeting, $79,000 has been allocated to the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC), alongside $30,000 for service navigation through Holliston Youth and Family Services (HYFS). HDAAC’s June 2026 update reported approximately $57,000 spent on local initiatives such as:
- Direct financial assistance for residents affected by opioid or substance use through the Holliston Community Action Fund (CAF).
- Narcan trainings with opioid education.
- Purchasing of Narcan and Narcan kit materials, including Deterra medication disposal bags.
- Supporting recovery and remembrance events and initiatives.
- Awarding several scholarships to graduating seniors impacted by the opioid crisis going into a healthcare related field.
- Developed an opioid resource webpage and public service announcement.
- Data collection from the public and individuals and loved ones with lived experience.
At the October 19, 2026 Town Meeting, voters approved Article 15, authorizing the transfer of remaining opioid settlement dollars from the stabilization fund into a special revenue account. Eligible spending can now occur with Select Board approval, without a separate Town Meeting appropriation each time. All funds remain restricted to uses permitted by the settlement agreements.
Looking ahead, HDAAC and HYFS propose convening an Opioid Task Force with prevention professionals, town representatives, and people with lived experience of substance use. The task force would review community needs and recommend eligible priorities and a sustainable spending plan to the Town. Potential priorities for consideration include:
- Explore care navigation to connect individuals and families with treatment and recovery support.
- Expand family support, including education, support groups, and grief resources.
- Continue free Narcan distribution and overdose prevention training.
- Strengthen youth prevention education, coping skills, and community connections.
- Explore peer recovery coaching and supportive community spaces.
- Address barriers to care, including transportation, housing, and treatment costs
Upcoming!
- Free Narcan Training: Sunday, November 1st, 11:30-12:30 at 1750 Washington Street, Holliston, no sign up needed!
- Butterfly Garden Reunion: Sunday, November 1st, 4-6 PM at the Fatima Shrine in Holliston we will be co-hosting the annual Butterfly Garden Reunion, to celebrate recovery, honor those we have lost to substance use, and inspire hope together. Sign up here!
- Remembrance Tree: Once again this holiday season, HDAAC plans to decorate a Remembrance Tree at Blair Square, honoring loved ones who died due to substance use. To submit a name or learn more fill out this form.
Contact Zoe Moreau at moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us or 508-429-0620, ext. 3 with any questions or concerns. We hope you will join us in remembering, connecting, and supporting one another!