Issue Position: Opioid / Substance Abuse

Issue Position

"Recent data shows that this public health crisis continues to grow throughout Massachusetts. Though deaths attributed to opioid overdose are declining slowly, substance abuse in general is trending upward. The presence of deadly fentanyl in our communities presents a major hazard to those addicted to drugs and to the first responders that protect and serve us. Our approach cannot be strictly punitive as this is a mental health issue more than a criminal justice issue. I believe we must increase the amount of beds and treatment facilities in Massachusetts, mandate expanded insurance coverage and ensure the accessibility and affordability of treatment services for those that are suffering the grip of addiction. I have been on the other end of that phone as those caught in the grip of addiction and those that love them have reached out for help. This is not an abstract issue to so many of us in our district. It's real, it's painful, it's frightening and we must do more."

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