06/11/2026
The Town of Wakefield seeks public input on how to best use Opioid Abatement Funds distributed by the Commonwealth. There are two ways individuals can provide feedback: 1) through an anonymous survey and 2) by participating in a Community Listening Session.
Take the Survey
The survey can be accessed online at https://forms.gle/p9x8AMZbw617423V9 and paper copies are available at Beebe Library, located at 345 Main Street; the Senior Center, located at 30 Converse Street; and Town Hall, located at 1 Lafayette Street. Translation is available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian-Creole and Simplified Chinese.
Attend a Listening Session
The public is also invited to attend a Community Listening Session. These meetings will have focused discussion on Wakefieldโs needs and review the allowable-use guidelines the state has set forth for the funds. There will also be time for sharing individual ideas. Registration links for all sessions are available at www.wakefieldma.gov/opioid
Listening Session 1
June 11, 7 to 8 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Listening Session 2
June 16, 9 to 10 a.m.
Wakefield Town Hall, First-floor conference room and via Zoom
1 Lafayette Street
Listening Session 3
for persons and families with lived experience with substance use disorder
June 17, 7 to 8 p.m.
First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall 8 Lafayette St.
While all feedback is welcome, we particularly encourage individuals with lived experience, their family members, and those working with individuals and families impacted by Opioid Use Disorder to participate in any session. We welcome attendees who are 18+ to these sessions.
For more information or survey translation, contact Liz Parsons in Wakefieldโs Health and Human Services Department at 781-246-6375.
About Opioid Abatement Funds
Opioids are prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Percocet as well as illegal drugs like he**in and fentanyl compounds. From January 2024 to December 2024, Massachusetts had 3,206 substance-use related deaths of which 1,409 were opioid-related (BSAS Data Dashboard).
Opioid Abatement Funds come from legal settlements with pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid crisis and may be used under specific guidelines to address gaps in existing opioid services, improve the communityโs response to the opioid crisis, and aid those impacted. Wakefield will receive, on average, $46,925 annually between 2023-2039. The input received during this process will help Town leaders create strategies to serve those most impacted by the opioid epidemic and enhance services to support to our community.
