July 16, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office awarded $45,450 through its Drug Diversion and Education Fund to four Hampden County organizations committed to preventing substance use, supporting recovery and strengthening local communities. Two organizations were recognized during a grant presentation Wednesday hosted by the Michael J. Dias Foundation, while the other two recipients will be recognized at a later date.

District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni presented grants to the Michael J. Dias Foundation and Power Forward during the ceremony.

While the District Attorney’s Office is often associated with prosecuting crime, the Drug Diversion and Education Fund reflects the Office’s commitment to investing in programs that address the root causes of crime through prevention, education, treatment, and recovery. The fund supports organizations throughout Hampden County that provide services designed to improve lives, strengthen communities, and reduce the factors that can lead to involvement with the criminal justice system. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office is grateful to the Massachusetts Legislature for its continued support of the Drug Diversion and Education Fund, which makes these community investments possible.

“Public safety means more than prosecuting crime after it happens,” Gulluni said. “It also means supporting the organizations that work every day to prevent substance use, expand access to treatment and recovery, and provide hope and opportunity to individuals and families throughout Hampden County. We’re proud to partner with each of these organizations as they continue making a meaningful difference in our communities.”

This year’s Drug Diversion and Education Fund recipients include:

Baystate Health

Baystate Health received $11,450 to support the Hampden County Municipal First Responder Narcan Project, which provides Narcan to police and fire departments throughout Hampden County. Since partnering on the initiative, the District Attorney’s Office has awarded more than $264,000 to help ensure first responders have access to this lifesaving medication.

Michael J. Dias Foundation

The Michael J. Dias Foundation received $10,000 to support its recovery housing, peer support and recovery-focused programming for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. With this year’s award, the District Attorney’s Office has now invested a total of $75,000 in the Foundation through the Drug Diversion and Education Fund, continuing a longstanding partnership supporting recovery efforts across Hampden County.

Power Forward

Power Forward received $15,000 to advance its work supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Founded by two-time Stanley Cup champion and U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Kevin Stevens, the organization works to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction while providing education, recovery resources, and support. Power Forward also helps remove barriers to long-term recovery through initiatives including sober living scholarships and other recovery-focused programs.

Springfield Vietnamese Cultural Association

The Springfield Vietnamese Cultural Association is also receiving a $9,000 Drug Diversion and Education Fund grant. Representatives from the organization were unable to attend Wednesday’s ceremony and will be recognized during a separate presentation at a later date.

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office remains committed to partnering with organizations that expand access to prevention, education and recovery services while building healthier, safer communities throughout Hampden County.