Southbridge Board of Health Backs Recovery Center Collaboration, Endorses New Liaison Position

SOUTHBRIDGE — June 11, 2026 — Southbridge Board of Health hears pitch for deeper collaboration with peer recovery centers as membership numbers decline. Theresa Bucheco, Assistant Director of the Worcester peer recovery center Everyday Miracles, appeared before the board Thursday to discuss flagging participation at Bridge to Hope, Southbridge's Spectrum Health-affiliated tier-one recovery center, after a BSAS annual survey showed a drop in membership from the prior year. A board member identified as Malika reported progress on the Southbridge Opioid Substance Use Committee, including a productive meeting with Police Deputy Chief Jose Dingy and plans to fund a dedicated recovery coach position — described as a liaison between police, hospitals, and the courts — to be developed with a programming committee the following Monday. On housing enforcement, health staff Chris reported three of 10 open cases against White Paper Strategies properties at 301 Main Street have reached compliance, with six remaining active under daily communication with new property director Eric McKenzie. A new $50 decal requirement takes effect for residents not in the municipal curbside program who wish to use leaf and yard waste dumpsters at 185 Gulfwood Road, which will now operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The board's chair announced this was his final meeting before joining the Town Council, leaving a seat open ahead of a leadership reorganization planned for the July 9 meeting.