Westfield awards first Opioid Settlement Grant to help prevent substance abuse in students

Submitted by City of Westfield

The City of Westfield has approved a $25,000 grant to Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) to support evidence-based substance use prevention and early intervention programming for students at risk of substance misuse. The funding comes from the City’s restricted Opioid Settlement Fund and represents the first use of these dollars in Westfield.

“Addiction is a vicious disease, and the best time to combat it is before it begins,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “Westfield Washington Schools and my administration are aligned in our desire to promote a healthier, safer community, and that starts with protecting our young people so they can live life to the fullest.”

The grant will fund the Prime for Life program, an evidence-based curriculum designed to reduce high-risk alcohol and drug use behaviors, educate students on substance use risks, and encourage healthier decision-making. Prime for Life also includes parent education and family engagement components, helping to reinforce these important life lessons beyond the classroom walls.

“Partnering with the city on this program was an easy ‘yes.’ The evidence-backed nature of the curriculum and the community-connecting elements inherent in this program mean we will be able to equip our students with potentially life-saving knowledge, resources, and confidence,” WWS Superintendent Dr. John Atha said.

This investment strengthens the partnership between the city and the school district while expanding access to prevention and early intervention services for students and families who may face barriers to support. By identifying and addressing substance use risks early, the program aims to prevent more serious issues later in life, including opioid misuse and addiction.

All funding fully aligns with opioid settlement requirements and has been reviewed by legal counsel. The grant includes reporting and accountability measures to ensure responsible use of funds. These funds do not come from the city’s General Fund, nor does it impact the General Fund.