State Announces $3.5 Million for Eight New Recovery Support Centers

BOSTON — As part of its continued efforts to address the opioid crisis, the Baker-Polito administration announced the selection of eight new recovery support centers (RSCs), places that provide education and non-judgmental support for individuals in recovery, help prevent relapse, and promote sustained recovery.

“Recovery is often achieved and best maintained when people are met where they are in their individual journey,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Recovery support centers are an important piece of a continuum to promote long-term recovery while complementing substance-use and alcohol treatment and mutual-support groups.”

The eight new centers — which include two Western Mass. sites, the Springfield Recovery Support Center and the Berkshire County Living in Recovery Center in Pittsfield — are backed by $3.5 million in new state funding and are in addition to 10 sites currently funded by the Department of Public Health, bringing the total number of RSCs to 18 statewide. The new peer-to-peer support centers were selected based on their geographic accessibility and ability to serve diverse communities. Typical RSC programming includes education and training on financial management, parenting, stress management, child-support education, CORI assistance, and employment preparation.

“Recovery support services are integral to our statewide opioid response strategy,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “The addition of these eight DPH-funded centers is a step forward in establishing a broad network of culturally welcoming places for people seeking support for recovery from alcohol and substance use.”