Prevention Services | Town of Arlington

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Town of Arlington Uses Opioid Settlement Funds to Invest in Lifesaving Technology
LUCAS device to be placed in a frontline emergency vehicle for trained first responders this Fall.

10/09/2025 10:12 AM

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Arlington Prevention Services leads community mobilization, youth leadership, recovery coaching, harm reduction, primary prevention, data collection, research, and the coordination of other initiatives to address and prevent Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and mental health-related issues in Arlington, MA.

Leveraging funding from the Opioid Abatement Funding and BSAS Masscall3 SEAL Cluster grant allows Prevention Services to provide harm reduction, recovery and primary prevention services. As a part of the Opioid Abatement settlements, the Town of Arlington will also receive funds over the next 17 years.

The Arlington Prevention Services includes the Arlington Prevention Coalition (APC). APC is a community-based coalition started in 2006 that focuses on reducing youth substance misuse as defined by the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the associated harms by increasing public knowledge and mobilizing the community. APC meets on the last Thursday of each month from 4-5:30 in the BOH conference room.

Arlington Prevention Services works in concert with local stakeholders in our municipality, including the Arlington Public Schools & the Arlington Police Department. In addition, APS collaborates with community prevention organizations including those in Somerville, Lexington, Winchester, and Everett as well as local Boards of Health.

Take our survey on the needs of people who use opioids and their families.

Prevention Coalition

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Guiding Good Choices (GGC)
GGC offers proven techniques and effective tools to help parents of children ages 9-14:

Improve communication with their children
Develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations
Control and express anger constructively
Strengthen family bonds and trust
Prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors

Guiding Good Choices consists of five workshops, held once a week for five consecutive weeks. GGC is a free, evidence-based program that is held twice a year in Fall & Spring.

E-cigarette and Vaping Fact Sheet
Our Student Advisors have created a fact sheet that lays out what exactly is in an e-cigarette, how it can be harmful, and where to get cessation help. For more info, contact Karen Koretsky.

Addiction Recovery Management Service at MGH
The Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) specializes in supporting teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 26 and their parents as they deal with their substance use and related problems.

Partnership to End Addiction
DrugFree.org serves as a drug prevention information center, and a supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.

Marijuana Talk-Kit
The Marijuana Talk-Kit is what you need to know to talk with your teen about marijuana.

Resources for Youth

The Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC ) is a welcoming and inclusive mental health clinic and the leading provider of outpatient and school-based child and adolescent mental health services in Arlington.

Smokefree Teen
Smokefree Teen has tailored tools and tips to help you become—and stay—tobacco free.

SAMHSA’s Substance Use Prevention Resources for Youth and College Students
SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for youth, teens, and young adults on topics such as substance misuse, common mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events.

Resources for Individuals Struggling with Substance Use

Narcan or Naloxone is a life saving emergency treatment for the use of known or suspected opioid overdose. It can save a life. The Arlington Department of Health and Human Services provides Naloxone (Narcan) doses and training free of charge.

Arlington residents may get a free naloxone kit and/or training, by contacting the Prevention Services Manager.

Naloxone kits are also available to residents free of charge at the Health Department.

View the videos below for more information:

SAMHSA’s Treatment Finder
SAMHSA's treatment finder is a confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking `treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. You can filter by the type of treatment you are looking for, the age range, and other factors.
MA Community Behavioral Health Centers
The MA Community Behavioral Health Center Initiative is a state-driven effort that expands access to comprehensive behavioral health services through community-based health centers, addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges to enhance overall community well-being in Massachusetts. Find your community behavioral health center here.
MA Peer Recovery Support Centers
The Massachusetts Peer Recovery Support Centers (PRSC) are community-based sanctuaries that assist individuals recovering from substance use disorder and those affected by addiction. These centers, staffed mostly by volunteers with personal recovery experience, offer support, resources, education, social events, recreational activities, and wellness groups. Their goal is to empower individuals to build their own support networks, preventing relapse and promoting lasting recovery from addiction.
MA Syringe Service Program Locator
Use this syringe service program locator to find a syringe service program (SSP) near you. SSPs may offer additional harm reduction services beyond just syringe service.
MA Naloxone Distribution Program Locator
Use this naloxone distribution program locator to find a naloxone distribution program near you. Naloxone distribution programs may offer additional harm reduction services beyond just naloxone distribution.
SafeSpot Virtual Spotting Service
SafeSpot is a 24/7 virtual spotting service that helps keep you safe while using drugs alone. This free and confidential phone line is staffed by operators.

Meetings

For Individuals Seeking Recovery Support:

SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a science-based, self-help program designed to empower individuals with tools and strategies to overcome addiction and problematic behaviors, emphasizing self-reliance, practical skills, and a non-judgmental approach to achieving lasting recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship offering support and a proven twelve-step program to individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction, fostering a community of understanding, encouragement, and lasting sobriety. AA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide fellowship that provides a supportive environment and a twelve-step program for individuals seeking freedom from drug addiction, promoting personal growth, self-discovery, and long-term recovery. NA holds meetings throughout the US. Visit their websites to find a meeting near you.

For Family and Friends Seeking Support:

Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope is a non-profit support network that offers education, resources, peer support and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs. Founded by Joanne Peterson in 2004, the organization has grown to include over 7000 members as of August 2015, and has become a nationally recognized model for peer support and prevention programming.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a worldwide fellowship that offers understanding, support, and guidance to the families and friends of individuals struggling with alcoholism, providing a safe space for healing, education, and personal growth in coping with the impact of addiction on their lives.