NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Northampton was awarded a multi-year grant of over half a million to focus on reducing those with substance use disorders and the criminal justice system. In a news release sent to 22News from the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services, the funding will be used in part for the state's Diversion to Care (DivCare) initiative. It will strengthen and develop new partnerships with community organizations, public health agencies, housing agencies, public safety departments, and law enforcement. Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings The program aims to expand access to harm reduction services and address the needs of those impacted by substance use and overdose. It will be led by Hampshire HOPE, and will work to develop a plan focused on overdose prevention along the criminal justice system intercept points, as outlined by SAMHSA’s Sequential Intercept Model. Health Commissioner Merridith O’Leary states, “The Department of Health and Human Services is in a primed position to receive this funding. With a history of programming that promotes access to treatment and harm reduction, in tandem with the mission of the Division of Community Care, DHHS, and our partners will be well-suited to look across systems and enhance collaborative efforts. Our ultimate goal is to increase positive health outcomes, address areas of inequity, and limit interactions with the justice system, particularly where substance use is at the core.”  Director of Prevention, Taylor McAndrew, notes “It has been over five years since community partners have come together to formally look across systems and address where gaps exist, and the landscape has changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, we have also been shifting our lens to look closely at who is being disproportionately impacted and facing unjust barriers. DivCare will provide partners the platform and guidance to do just that.” Local News Headlines Thrift store in Westfield holds grand opening this week Northampton awarded grants for substance use disorder Springfield organizations recognized for cultural grants Injured hawk rescued by Chicopee Police WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.