- Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Media Contact for MCDHH awards $1M for substance use treatment and recovery services
Rex Macapinlac, Social Media & Digital Content Specialist
Video: MCDHH Awards $1M for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services
Skip this video MCDHH Awards $1M for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services.Boston, MA — Today the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) announced that it is awarding $1 million in funding to support families impacted by substance use disorder.
The funding from the Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services will be distributed equally across three organizations to support the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
The three chosen organizations are:
- Behavioral Health Network, Inc., headquartered in Springfield, MA, plans to expand technology, equipment, and interpreter services to support the Deaf and hard of hearing in Western Massachusetts.
- High Point Treatment Center, headquartered in New Bedford, MA, will continue increasing awareness of Deaf culture and tending to the service needs of Deaf individuals.
- North Suffolk Community Services, headquartered in Chelsea, MA, will provide substance use treatment for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
The distribution of funding to grantees will improve accessibility to services, making a profound impact on the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, foster the growth of new and existing programs, and enhance substance use disorder care across the state.
“Individuals who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing cannot access treatment for substance use disorder services if the services do not cater to their specific needs,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “This funding shows we are committed to investing in services and programs in our state that are accessible to all residents. Continued expansion of these organizations will help with the barriers that Massachusetts residents who are Deaf and hard of hearing may encounter when seeking treatment.”
"Massachusetts is one of the top states investing in and addressing the stigma of substance use disorder and helping our communities receive the professional and collegial support they need,” said Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. “We are thrilled to reach this decision in FY24 funding to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and programs across the Commonwealth. We are hopeful that this funding will further support the seed investments we have made for these three organizations to continue to retool their services for inclusion of patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing to make a positive impact and ensure all who are Deaf and hard of hearing can fully participate and grow in all areas of life.”
"Improving outcomes for those with substance use disorder means equitable access to information, treatment, and services for all members of our community, including those who are Deaf and hard of hearing,” said Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Commissioner of Public Health. “We take seriously our responsibility to break down communication barriers and create pathways to treatments that serve all residents in the Commonwealth effectively and compassionately. Supporting targeted efforts for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is part of this profound commitment to inclusive health care – and part of our focus on substance use disorder recovery and prevention.”
This funding decision comes one year after MCDHH awarded $1 million to the same three programs in Spring 2023. This previous grant has already made a significant impact by increasing community outreach, improving programmatic accessibility, and training staff on the needs and cultural aspects of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
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