November 4, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – At the October meeting of the Hampden County Addiction Taskforce (HCAT), members heard from several local organizations now implementing new strategies to combat substance use and support recovery — initiatives made possible through recent allocations from the City of Springfield’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF).

Guest speakers included Sandra Munier and Adalberto Cotto of New North Citizens’ Council (NNCC), Jackeline EstevesQuiñones and Heriberto Rodriguez Jr. of Recover NOW/Gandara Center, and Alexi Guzman of Tapestry Health, each of whom shared updates on new programs supported by the ORRF.

The group also heard a separate presentation from Juliano Cultrera of Charlie Health, a national organization providing virtual mental health and substance use treatment for adolescents and young adults.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, who, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, convened HCAT in 2016 to unite agencies in addressing substance use through prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery, said the presentations are a reminder of the power of collaboration.

“What we’re seeing in Springfield right now is community-based work at its best: neighbors helping neighbors, agencies partnering across disciplines, and people with lived experience leading change,” said Gulluni. “These investments represent more than just funding; they represent hope, access, and a commitment to giving every individual the opportunity to recover and thrive.”

Shared Focus on Access and Dignity

The NNCC Scope Initiative, launched in partnership with the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, is expanding street and community outreach, prevention, and education. The program is led by Black and Latinx professionals with lived experience and focuses on culturally informed, trust-based engagement that ensures high-risk individuals and families receive rapid access to care and coordinated case management.

At Recover NOW!, operated by the Gandara Center, bilingual case managers are walking alongside residents affected by opioid use disorder. By pairing practical support such as help securing housing, healthcare, and identification with consistent recovery guidance, the team works to remove the real-world barriers that often stand in the way of treatment.

Meanwhile, Tapestry Health continues to meet people where they are through its harm reduction programs. From distributing naloxone (Narcan) and offering syringe services to connecting individuals with treatment and primary care, Tapestry’s work emphasizes dignity, safety, and harm reduction as essential pathways to recovery.

Together, these initiatives represent the next phase of the local response to the opioid crisis, one rooted in accessibility, cultural understanding, and evidence-based care. By linking outreach, harm reduction, mental health services, and recovery navigation, partners across Springfield are ensuring that no one has to face addiction alone.

The meeting also featured a separate presentation from Charlie Health, a national organization offering virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for adolescents and young adults. Charlie Health connects clients to personalized mental health and substance use treatment through individual, family, and group therapy sessions. With flexible remote options and strong clinical outcomes, including a reported 51 percent reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms, the organization aims to bridge the gap between crisis care and long-term recovery for high-acuity youth nationwide.

Building on Collective Strength

Together, these initiatives represent the next phase of the local response to the opioid crisis, one rooted in accessibility, cultural understanding, and evidence-based care. By linking outreach, harm reduction, mental health services, and recovery navigation, partners across Springfield are ensuring that no one has to face addiction alone.

“Every time HCAT meets, we see how much stronger our community is when we work together,” Gulluni said. “The passion and innovation of our partners keep this mission alive every day.”