Medford Provides Update on Opioid Settlement Funds Supporting Prevention, Recovery, and Harm Reduction

MEDFORD, MA – The City of Medford has invested $170,000 in opioid settlement funds in community-based programs and initiatives designed to address substance use, support recovery, and reduce the harm associated with opioid use, Mayor Breann Lungo-Koehn announced.

Since receiving its first payment from the Massachusetts Opioid Abatement Settlement Program in 2023, the City has followed a community-informed plan to ensure these funds address Medford’s greatest needs and have the greatest possible impact. The plan, developed by the Office of Prevention and Outreach (OPO), was shaped by input from families affected by the opioid crisis. The Feedback collected helped establish the City’s priorities for investing the funds.

“Medford is committed to directly investing these funds to thoughtfully support residents and families impacted by substance use,” said Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn. “By listening to our community and investing in recovery, prevention, harm reduction, and mental health services, we can help reduce barriers to care, expand access to resources, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. We will continue to seek out ways to leverage these funds alongside other resources to maximize their impact.”

As of July 2026, the City has invested approximately $170,000 across FY2025 and FY2026 and plans to spend roughly $100,000 per year on substance use services and programming until 2038. The City’s investments are generally focused in three areas:

• 65% – Recovery Services and Harm Reduction
• 15% – Mental Health and Family Support
• 20% – Prevention and Early Intervention 

"Our goal from the beginning has been to make sure these funds are used in ways that reflect the needs of our community," said Catherine Dhingra, Assistant Director of the Health and Human Services Department. "The input we received from families, individuals with lived experiences, service providers, and community partners have helped identify where these resources can have the greatest impact. We are proud to support programs that expand access to recovery services, strengthen preventative measures, and provide meaning support."

Opioid settlement funds have supported a range of programs and initiatives throughout Medford, including:

• Recovery coaching services
• Youth substance use prevention and intervention strategies
• Harm reduction efforts, including the purchase and distribution of Narcan
• Community outreach supplies to assist unhoused individuals experiencing substance use disorder
• Recovery support services, including sober home scholarships, transportation assistance, and employment opportunities
• Weekly recovery meetings with recovery guides and access to phones
• Remembrance initiatives honoring community members lost to substance use 

The City plans to continue using opioid settlement funds to address community needs and expand access to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery resources. Future initiatives include prevention and intervention education for Medford Public Schools and continued recovery support designed to reduce barriers to treatment and long-term recovery. 

For more information on the city’s Office of Prevention and Outreach, and to read the comprehensive opioid expenditure status report, including how the funds have been invested and plans for future use, visit https://www.medfordma.org/departments/health-department/office-prevention-outreach/social-services-mental-health