FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026
Cummings Foundation Awards Three Year Jail Diversion Program Grant
The City of Woburn will use funds to support mental health and substance use co-response embedded within the Woburn Police Department
Woburn, MA – The City of Woburn is pleased to announce a three-year Cummings Foundation Grant totaling $50,000/year for three years. We are dedicated to providing our community with services that stimulate trust, collaboration and connection. This mission includes utilizing police and town resources to provide education, prevention and intervention services to those who struggle with substance use and/or mental illness. The funds will be used to implement a Jail Diversion Program (JDP) to assist the department during relevant incidents and provide more comprehensive support to our community.
The Woburn Police Department Co-Response Model embeds trained clinicians directly into police operations, allowing them to respond alongside officers to 911 calls involving mental health or behavioral health crises. This team-based approach enables on‑scene assessment, de‑escalation, and connections to treatment and social services. Co-Response addresses underlying issues such as trauma, substance use, or housing instability, the program provides long-term solutions—not just temporary interventions.
Beyond crisis response, the presence of clinicians helps build trust between residents and law enforcement, reduces stigma surrounding mental health, and enhances community-policing efforts. The Co‑Response initiatives ensure residents have access to effective, compassionate crisis care when they need it most.
“Combining public safety expertise with clinical care, we can better support individuals in crisis while improving outcomes for our community. We are grateful to the Cummings Foundation for their support of this essential program,” Brian McManus Chief of Police, City of Woburn.
“Over the last two years, we have worked to build a program that recognizes that many calls for service are rooted in mental health and substance use challenges rather than criminal behavior. Thanks to the generous support of Cummings Foundation, we are now able to expand that vision through a dedicated co-response clinician who will work alongside our police department to connect residents with the care and resources they need. This partnership represents an important investment in a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Woburn,” Mackenzie Dezieck, Assistant to the Mayor Substance Use and Mental Health Coordinator.
For information about the Cummings Foundation please visit https://www.cummingsfoundation.org/
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Media inquiries can be directed to Samantha Stone 781-382-5057 sstone@cityofwoburn.com