Funding supports services at the Gavin Foundation, Joseph Nee Collaborative Center, and South Boston Community Health Center

BOSTON—Recently, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing the state budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). 

Funded at $63 billion, the House budget includes substantial investments in public health and mental health programs, funding the Department of Mental Health at $1.6 billion and the Department of Mental Health at $1.3 billion for FY27.  To combat the addiction epidemic, the House budget invests $184 million in the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) and an additional $3.15 million for grants for recovery services.

During budget debate in the House, Representative Biele filed and successfully advocated for the adoption of several amendments to provide funding for crucial substance use and recovery programs, and mental health treatment programs.

Overall, Rep. Biele secured $400,000 in funding for programs that provide behavioral health continuum of care and comprehensive substance abuse and narcotic use reduction services at the Gavin Foundation, the Joseph Nee Collaborative Center, and the South Boston Community Health Center.  Located in South Boston, these programs collectively provide services to individuals who reside throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts.

“Every community in the Commonwealth has felt the impacts of addiction and substance use, which highlight the continued importance of recovery and behavioral health treatment programs” said Rep. Biele.  “These crucial investments will ensure that providers with proven track records will continue to provide to life-saving mental health and recovery treatment services to the most vulnerable locally and statewide.  I am grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and my colleagues for their support of these crucial programs.”

“We appreciate Rep. Biele’s efforts in delivering state resources to support the recovery community and for his ongoing support of the Gavin Foundation,” said Peter Barbuto, CEO of the Gavin Foundation.

“Rep. Biele has been a champion for programs like ours that provide treatment, recovery, and mental health services to the underserved and never-served in our community,” said Jake Bombard, Executive Director of the Joseph Nee Collaborative Center.  “We can’t thank him enough for his advocacy, not only at the State House, but right here in the neighborhood.”

“We’re so grateful for Rep. Biele’s support of South Boston Community Health Center in securing state funds to support our Behavioral Health services, allowing us to continue providing this vital care,” said William J. Halpin, CEO of the South Boston Community Health Center.  “Our board, executive team and our patients deeply appreciate his commitment to keeping our community healthy.”

Rep. Biele’s amendments were adopted unanimously in the House, with bipartisan support, by a vote of 158-0.