Ipswich Public Health Department Utilizing Opioid Settlement Funds to Enhance Access to Middle School Teen Drop-In Program

IPSWICH – The Ipswich Public Health Department will be devoting Opioid Settlement Funds toward creating enhanced access to Ipswich Middle School’s teen drop-in program, which plays a critical role in preventing youth substance use and related challenges. 

The Town of Ipswich is set to receive more than $784,000 in Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) payments through Fiscal Year 2039 as a result of the Commonwealth’s settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies for their roles in the ongoing opioid crisis. Through the Massachusetts State-Subdivision Agreement for Statewide Opioid Settlements, the Commonwealth has authorized municipal use of OSF to address prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

To ensure these funds are used effectively and reflect Ipswich residents’ wishes, a needs assessment was conducted. This informed a strategic planning process that guided the Town in making data-driven, community-informed decisions regarding the use of OSF.

The needs assessment identified youth prevention as a key area of focus. 

Ipswich Middle School offers a teen drop-in program for middle school students, which offers a range of social support and activities. Students who participate in the program spend a few hours at the end of each school day engaging in activities that provide outlets for expression and socialization, such as gaming, art, film, and athletics. 

While not a formal prevention program, it provides protective factors and core elements of prevention that help foster positive adult relationships, peer connection, and structured, supportive activities. These protective factors help to prevent substance misuse and improve mental health and wellbeing of students. 

This year, the program was charging a fee for participation to offset costs of space and staffing. 

Recognizing the barrier that the fees provided for some families, the Town decided to use some of its funding to cover some of the cost, increasing student access to the program. 

“Providing students with opportunity to connect with each other and express themselves through activities that appeal to their interests can play a pivotal role in the fight against mental health and substance misuse,” said Public Health Director Colleen Fermon. “We want children to feel supported and engaged with their community so that they feel comfortable expressing themselves when they are dealing with problems. Increasing access to a program that helps to remove some of the barriers preventing students from seeking help is a strong step toward meeting our goal of increasing youth prevention efforts.”