G-1912-15930

This investment provides support to RIZE Massachusetts (RIZE) integrate oral health into its programming and grant-making strategy in order to end the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts and reduce its impact on people, communities, and the economy. RIZE is an independent nonprofit foundation formed in 2017 through a co-funding relationship with Partners HealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the GE Foundation and 1199SEIU. Using a collaborative, multi-sector approach, RIZE provides grants to organizations focused on prevention, innovative care approaches to address opioid use disorders and recovery methods. In prior years, this work focused on behavioral and physical health. Through this partnership, which began in 2019, oral health will continue to be strategically integrated into the approach to address opioid use disorders both within Massachusetts and across the country. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine was awarded a grant in 2019. This project entitled "Controlled Substance Risk Mitigation in Dentistry: Testing a Validated Curriculum for Practicing Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Oral Surgeons” will deliver and evaluate a series of ten validated controlled substance risk mitigation training modules to Massachusetts practicing dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons. Oral health will continue to be integrated into RIZE's programming throughout the year.