HEALing Communities Study: Franklin County & the North Quabbin

The HEALing Communities Study aims to reduce opioid deaths by 40% over 3 years in urban and rural areas across four states. Greenfield, Montague, Athol, and Orange cluster community will participate through an alliance of local agencies and resources. This nationally funded study through the The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an initiative aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic. Research

for this study will occur in two waves within a mix of urban and rural areas hard hit by the opioid crisis across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. By implementing evidence-based practices such as Naloxone distribution, expansion of access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and addressing safer prescribing of opiates , this ambitious study intends to reduce overdose deaths. In Massachusetts, Boston Medical Center has been chosen to lead its selected communities, including Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. In collaboration with the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region members and community partners, the goals outlined in the HEALing Communities Study become achievable. Community members of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are encouraged to join our efforts to ultimately save lives and reduce overdose related deaths in our rural communities.