What We Do
Improving mental health and behavioral health are priorities for the Cambridge Public Health Department. We know that they are every bit as important as physical health in the overall health of individuals and communities. The unit’s goals are to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources for behavioral and mental wellness to the Cambridge community. We have a strong commitment to community involvement in order to achieve health equity in Cambridge, and mental and behavioral health are important components.
CPHD works across our own programs and with community partners to promote mental and behavioral health, including substance use prevention. Below are some of the initiatives and activities of the Mental and Behavioral Health Promotion unit:
- Overdose prevention (naloxone) education and training
- Dispose of needles and syringes safely
- Accessing Narcan and other harm reduction supports
- Proper medication disposal including biannual Medication Takeback events in collaboration with Cambridge Police Department and Cambridge Council of Aging
- Promotion of mental health and substance use resources
- Creation and promotion of resources and publications for the community (see below for more):
For More Information
- Community Behavioral Health Center in Cambridge: Call 833-222-2030 or visit
- MA Substance Use Helpline: Call 800-327-5050
- NAMI Massachusetts
- National Suicide Prevention Line: Call 988
Opioid Abatement Funding
The work of the unit is greatly enhanced by the addition of the opioid abatement funding from the state. The City of Cambridge receives money from the state opioid settlements, which are funds from lawsuits against companies involved in the opioid epidemic. These funds are used to help people and communities affected by opioid use.
The Cambridge Public Health Department is charged with managing a portion of the funds used to implement the recommendations that were suggested by the community and approved by the City Manager’s Substance Use Advisory Committee.
Here are the current ways Cambridge is putting the funds to use:
Mobile Van
Fully operational in spring of 2024, the mobile van is staffed and operated by Bay Cove Human Services. The van provides supplemental services to the unhoused community.
Recovery Coaches
Started in the fall of 2025 recovery coaches have been placed at two local programs – Healthcare for the Homeless and the Community Safety Department. The coaches are nonclinical professionals who have lived experience with addiction and engage, educate and support individuals to successfully recover from mental and/or substance use disorders.
Pilot Syringe Redemption Program
Started in the summer of 2025, the Community Syringe Redemption Program (CSRP) is a pilot project that aims to reduce the number of unsafely discarded syringes in the area. The program is a tested strategy to incentivize safe disposal of syringes, provide a low threshold point of contact for people that use drugs, improve quality of life, reduce public safety concerns, and reduce service requests related to syringes.
Youth Prevention
The funds help support the Youth Engagement Manager (YEM) at the Cambridge Public Health Department. The YEM is actively working to create environments and experiences that foster resilience, wellbeing, and meaningful growth.
Updated: January 21, 2026