23-04-2025
Grand opening of new substance abuse recovery center in Westfield
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday marks the grand opening of a new Westfield Peer Recovery Center, adding to the growing number of centers dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse.
This center is a step in providing support and resources for those on the road to recovery. The opening of the Westfield Recovery Center on Broad Street marks a significant milestone in the fight against substance abuse in the community. It will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for those seeking to overcome addiction.
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'This is a rural community, even though it's very large-based,' said Nico Alicea, a Western Mass Regional Coordinator with MOAR. 'It's a rural community, we need to make sure that access to treatment is everywhere for anybody.'
The goal is meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need so they can stand on their own. The center will be helping these individuals gain access to support services, groups, and community resources.
'People are suffering, and so many people are dying because of substance use issues,' said Lois Nesci, Chief Executive Officer of Gandara. 'But this makes an incredible difference, because people feel that there is a safe place for them to be.'And the journey to recovery can look different for each person.
'If these are individuals in very early recovery or looking to get into a detox or C-assessed level of care, we can certainly help them with that,' said Chelsea Bryant, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Gandara. 'Provide transportation and find those resources to maintain sobriety once they finish that level of care.'
The center is hopeful that this will encourage more individuals to seek help and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. It aims to dispel misconceptions that addiction is a choice and rather a medical condition that requires understanding and center was made possible through Opioid Settlement Funds awarded to Westfield. Half a million dollars has gone to cover the center's first two years of operational costs.
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