Community Mental Health Affiliates receives $2.625 million grant to help reduce opioid use among homeless, those at-risk

CMHA has received a $2.625 million, five-year grant to expand access to treatment and reduce opioid use among homeless, at-risk populations in #Bristol and #NewBritain! The funds will support CMHA's IMPACT (Intensive MAT Person Approach Community Treatment) initiative, which will provide services through three local shelters: The Friendship Service Center and Salvation Army in New Britain as well as St. Vincent DePaul Mission shelter in Bristol.

'“As the rate of overdose in our area continues to climb, particularly at our local shelters, and more individuals struggle with job loss and homelessness following the pandemic, this funding is needed now more than ever,” said Grace Cavallo, CMHA chief program officer. “This collaborative program will most certainly save lives.”'

Read More in The New Britain Herald: http://ow.ly/fZGi50Gflpf

According to CMHA, in Central Connecticut the overdose rate has increased 61% over the past five years, and the number of homeless individuals has nearly doubled in the past year alone. IMPACT will address both issues with a coordinated community approach.

“I believe outreach is a vital piece to ending homelessness. Relationship brings trust and trust evokes change, especially those who are homeless and suffering from opioid addiction,” said Christine Thebarge, executive director, St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol. “We are thrilled that CMHA received this grant and we have the ability to partner with this organization.”