HADLEY — Opioid harm reduction services aimed at stopping fatal overdoses and getting individuals the care they need, already offered across the region by Tapestry Health Systems, will soon be provided in Hadley.

The Select Board at its April 2 meeting agreed to sign a contract with the Springfield nonprofit that will allow Tapestry to directly serve residents through its mobile transit vans, similar to what already happens in both Easthampton and Amherst. Tapestry’s closest brick-and-mortar site is in Northampton.

“We’re looking for an opportunity to come into the community, and engage with the community, provide some education and some awareness, and provide some harm reduction services,” Pedro Alvarez, director of operations for harm reductions services at Tapestry, told the board.

The contract will provide Tapestry a $15,000 annual payment beginning July 1, with the money coming from the $121,500 in opioid settlement funds the town has received over three years.

Part of the interest in coming to Hadley is due to the former EconoLodge hotel on Route 9 being used on a temporary basis by guests of Craig’s Doors, until Valley Community Development converts the property into affordable apartments.

Select Board member David J. Fill II had previously objected to signing the contract if the only people benefiting are a more transient community, wanting to ensure that all town residents could access services.

Liz Whynott, director of programming of harm reduction at Tapestry, said there is evidence that this would be the case. In 2024, Tapestry saw 143 individuals with a Hadley ZIP code, about half who accessed Nalxone and harm reduction material for themselves or their peers.

“Being able to come to Hadley, we would serve the whole town,” Whynott said. “We’re always trying to figure out how to reach people who aren’t being reached by other services.”

Alvarez said from 2016 to 2023, there were 12 fatal overdoses in Hadley.

“For a population that’s not even 6,000, that’s quite a lot, a staggering number,” Alvarez said.

He added that Hadley residents are already depending on Tapestry, with 94 Narcan kits and educational materials given to them between March 2024 and April 2025.

Whynott said Tapestry operates in a dozen communities and has six stationary sites for walk-ins. The mobile sites, though, have grown in popularity.

“Our mobile services have really ramped up since COVID started,” Whynott said.

People can call or text a Tapestry cellphone if they need services, with an understanding there is a stigma for some to seek help. “Our mobile units, transit vans, have minimal logos and try to empower people to make safer decisions and practices,” Alvarez said, observing Tapestry doesn’t condone drug use, but understands it’s a reality.

Tapestry will also have sharps pickup and disposal for all residents, Whynott said, and provides Narcan to public safety officials universities and schools. “That’s one of the main services that we provide,” Whynott said.

Alvarez said post-overdose work is provided, accompanying people with a post-overdose coordinator and connecting them to recovery harm reduction, and testing for the presence of fentanyl.

The contract calls for Tapestry to collaborate with the town “to provide direct services to people with substance abuse disorders, and those at high risk of being impacted by opioids. Services provided will focus on engagement, education and referrals to substance abuse treatment and other needed care.”

In addition to referrals for substance abuse treatment and medical care, there is testing and counseling for HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs; syringe services; overdose prevention education; Naloxone access and training; safer use education and supplies; and safer sex supplies

Temporary Town Administrator Michael Mason, who is also the town’s police chief, said a budget proposal for his department includes hiring a full-time clinician, at around $80,000 a year. Tapestry’s services would take some of the load off of handling this work in house, Mason said.

Hadley Police also continue to have a partnership with Easthampton for a co-response clinician who goes out with officers on some medical and mental health calls.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.