The Cape Cod Chronicle | by Ryan Bray
ORLEANS – The board of health plans to begin reviewing applications for opioid abatement funding at its next meeting in June.
The board on May 16 held a public hearing inviting residents and town officials to offer their ideas for how to use the funds, which came to the town by way of a federal settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. The town will receive a total of $158,251.97 in settlement funding across multiple installments through 2038….
“Sheila House spoke on behalf of Behavioral Health Innovators, of which she is chair of the board of directors. Founded in 2015, the nonprofit focuses on providing prevention programming for youth and young adults, she told the board.
House specifically cited two programs for funding, including an alternative peer group that offers free treatment for youth and young adults for a period of six months. While initially met with resistance by some participants, House said the program connects with the young people that take part in its services.
“After about a month they don’t want to leave because they feel so supported,” she said….