The growing opioid crisis in Boston necessitates easier access to addiction treatment and recovery services. Opioid-related deaths have risen by 37% in the city since 2018, with a staggering 122% increase among Black individuals. Recognizing the impact of surroundings on mental health, it is crucial to reflect on the steps needed to enhance the well-being of those struggling with addiction in the community.
Despite Boston’s reputation for renowned hospitals and healthcare services, it is currently easier to access opioids than it is to obtain addiction treatment and recovery services. To address this disparity, adequate funding and infrastructure are required to support the work of medical and mental health professionals. One significant barrier hindering a successful recovery in Boston is the shortage of post-detox clinical stabilization services (CSS), which plays a vital role after detox by providing intensive clinical and mental health services to help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent repeated cycles of detoxification.
Currently, there are no CSS beds for men within the city limits. However, the Dimock Center, with a transformational capital grant from the Yawkey Foundation, is renovating the historic Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewska (Z) Building on its Roxbury campus to establish a new CSS unit, serving over 1,000 individuals annually. This initiative will enable men who complete detox to receive essential services without having to leave the city.
Learn more about this partnership that reflects the Yawkey Foundation’s longstanding priority of supporting organizations and programs providing access to mental and behavioral health resources.