Health Resources in Action, Inc.

The mission of the Leaders through Education, Action, and Hope (LEAH) Project is to cultivate the power of youth to transform their lives and communities through science, education, and service. The LEAH Project is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), college readiness, and youth development initiative. Each year, the LEAH Project recruits, trains, and supports Boston Public School high school students of color, LEAH Mentors, to teach science, assist with homework, and serve as role models for elementary school students. Through participation in LEAH, Mentors gain valuable leadership and professional skills and a network of peers & adults that support and inspire them to succeed academically. By focusing on STEM , students are supported in learning about topics and exploring career fields where people of color are drastically underrepresented. Mentors gain employment experience, receive one-on-one coaching, build peer & adult networks, and earn a stipend for their work.

Peer leaders are high school-aged youth from all racial/ethnic backgrounds, who work with their peers and adults in programs focused on different public health topics (e.g., violence prevention, tobacco prevention and physical health and nutrition). HRiA trains these youth on the public health topics and in leadership skills, like presentation and organizational skills. A statewide peer leadership conference, The Peer Leadership Institute, will occur at the end of each school year to unite all Greater Boston area peer leaders so they can share their best practices and present workshops for each other. The youth will also create a statewide directory of peer leadership programs, By intentionally engaging young people in authentic youth leadership opportunities, HRiA ensures that the skills and knowledge they gain are transferable into their daily lives, which leads to healthier social and emotional youth outcomes and stronger and more resilient communities overall.

Since 1997, HRiA has operated the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline, providing free and confidential information and referrals for alcohol and other substance use problems. The Helpline is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, and is staffed by experienced and certified Screening & Information Specialists with access to a database of 2,000 state-approved prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Helpline resources are available every day of the year, either by phone at 800-327-5050 or online through our searchable database.

Helpline Specialists help people struggling with addiction, as well as their families, friends, care providers, and other professionals to find information about substance use treatment and recovery support services available in Massachusetts. Our Specialists are available to help callers understand and identify their needs, find appropriate resources, and begin or continue their efforts toward recovery. Our Helpline services are available via telephone in any language, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends and holidays.

Visitors to the Helpline website can also find licensed and approved services on their own by clicking on “Find a Treatment Center” and searching for programs and services in their area. Visitors can also choose their preferred language and share feedback about the website.

The Helpline is a one-stop resource for substance use prevention and treatment information in Massachusetts. We are dedicated to being part of the comprehensive response to addiction in our Commonwealth, and to helping those struggling with addiction as well as their families and loved ones. Call us at 800-327-5050 or visit our website at helplinema.org.