The position paper "Building Alliances between the Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems to Prevent Unnecessary Arrests," was released today by the Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) and the National Alliance for Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI). This paper reveals strategic recommendations for tackling the issue of keeping the mentally ill out of the criminal justice system. Read more...

Raymond V. Mariano, Executive Director of the Worcester Housing Authority, formally accepted grant funding for the new program from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts at a breakfast reception yesterday at the Beechwood Inn. Initially, 30 participants in “A Better Life” will receive intensive support toward an academic degree or a full-time job, with the eventual goal of earning enough money to support their families outside of public housing. Read more...

Students at Murdock Middle High School have exceptional access to wellness services thanks in part to the leadership and support of Senator Stephen Brewer. Earlier this year the Murdock Health Center, as well as other school-based health centers across the state, faced the very real possibility that they would be forced to close due to budget cuts. The proposed cuts, which would have been devastating for school based health centers, were voted down. As he has so many times in the past, Sen. Brewer proved to be a strong advocated for Winchendon - and in particular for those students who depend on the Murdock Health Center for their behavioral health needs. Read more...