CMCHC

by José Rivera

As we all know, a community-wide participatory partnership approach is crucial to the accurate assessment of the problem and resources, the identification of viable solutions and the planning and implementation of appropriate, effective and sustainable substance abuse programming.  All partners are essential.  Unfortunately, there are challenges, to a greater or lesser degree, in engaging the various and varied sectors of a community in meaningful participation in these endeavors.  But the work is worthwhile.  When these partnerships occur, the rewards are immense.

Such has been the case of the Center’s work with, among others, the City of Worcester.  To my recollection, substance abuse prevention in Worcester had been primarily developed and implemented by provider agencies and concerned residents.  In the Spring of 2008, the City of Worcester took a big step in responding to Requests for Proposals (RFP) from the Department of Public Health (DPH).  What began with occasional meetings with Anne O’Brien, the City’s grant writer, and Derek Brindisi, Acting Director of the City’s Department of Health and Human Services, resulted in the City receiving two DPH grants – one for the prevention of substance abuse with a particular focus on underage drinking, the other is for the prevention of unintentional fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses.  This has grown into full partnerships that have raised the conversations about substance abuse programming for Worcester to new levels.  Michael O’Brien, the City Manager, has been engaged, Worcester now has an Office of Substance Abuse, with Karyn Card as its Project Coordinator and Bill McClune, Tobacco Control Officer.  Dr. Leonard Morse, the City’s Commissioner of Public Health, and Barbara Haller, Councilor, are also integral parts of these conversations.  In the process, the City, primarily through Derek and/or Karyn, is actively and meaningfully participating in a number of forums all aimed at improving conditions for our area residents from a variety of perspectives.  To name a few: the Central MA Substance Abuse Association (CMSAA), Common Pathways (CHNA 8), the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR), and the Substance Abuse Coalition for Central MA Youth (SACCMY).

Many other groups and organizations are also engaged in this work: CommunityBuild, the Healthy Options for Prevention Education (HOPE) Coalition, UMass Medical Center, the Worcester Police Department, and all the organizations that are part of CMSAA, Common Pathways, MOAR and SACCMY, among others.  Having the City of Worcester at the core of these conversations is an asset that can increase the synergy among the different groups as well as the potential for a sustainable healthy Worcester.  For all their work, we are grateful.

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