Governor Charlie Baker joined other Massachusetts leaders today to announce the findings and recommendations of an opioid task force created by the governor earlier this year.The 18-member working group recommended 65 short- and long-term steps to address the opioid epidemic that killed more than a thousand Massachusetts residents last year and has been identified as a national scourge. Covering the areas of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery, some recommendations require state or federal legislative action. Governor Baker acknowledged the group’s work over the past four months.
“Opioid addiction is a healthcare issue that knows no boundaries across age, race, class, or demographics,” said Baker.
“The United States is less than five percent of the world’s population, but we consume 80 percent of its opioids,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who served on the task force. “Today’s report is important. It will serve as a roadmap for how we can come together to address this crisis and get people the help that they need. As hard as the work has been to get here, now the real hard work now begins: the work of implementing these recommendations.”
Steps include funding for school prevention programs and increased substance abuse training for Department of Children and Families workers.
“We know that those who become addicted to opioids will open medicine cabinets to feed their addictions,” said Massachusetts Health and Humans Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “While our local communities and police departments have stepped up with drop boxes and take-back days, we must do more, and we will partner with pharmacies to pilot drug take-back programs.”
In terms of intervention, the task force wants to require pharmacies to submit prescription monitoring data within 24 hours and mandate timely reporting of overdose deaths. Bulk purchasing of Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, by the state is also recommended.
Gloucester launched a program earlier this year in which drug addicts can turn over illegal substances without fear of arrest as long as they agree to enter treatment. Attorney General Healey voiced support for these types of efforts.
“Any effort on the part of police or others in law enforcement to get people into treatment or recovery…people who are desperate for recovery and looking for beds and treatment, that’s a good use of law enforcement resources,” said Healey.
Suggested treatment efforts include the Department of Public Health adding 100 beds by next July, expanding MassHealth’s mobile crisis service and enrolling uninsured patients receiving certain treatments in MassHealth or other insurance plans. Correctional facilities would also increase treatment beds.
The task force recommends certifying and registering alcohol and drug-free housing as well as establishing revised rates for residential recovery homes.
Having launched a prescriber training and public education program last month, the Massachusetts Medical Society is applauding the recommendations.
Implementing the initiatives will cost $27 million in fiscal year 2016, which the governor’s office says will be paid for through a combination of new state funds, MassHealth, and reprioritization of existing state and federal grant funds.
Clickhere to read the group's full report.
