Fighting Substance Use and the Opioid Epidemic
We need to change our understanding of substance use. The opioid epidemic continues to ravage the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and show us that we need to revise our approach by focusing on and promoting recovery and rehabilitation. Many of us have seen first-hand how the private insurance system undermines people who are seeking care.
Complete Coverage of Recovery Programs
Jamie will press for expanded recovery coverage and programs via private insurance companies and through existing Medicare programs. No one should be exempt from treatment and recovery, due to inadequate healthcare coverage.
Education and Prevention Programs
Programs have been rolled out across all fifty states since 2016. These initiatives need additional federal funding to support the prevention, treatment, and transitional programs to ensure successful recovery for those afflicted.
Interim Housing and Housing Support
We need to bring more attention to families facing homelessness and economic hardship due to substance use. We need to have 360 degree support for these affected parents and children, so they can get back on their feet.
Ongoing Funding for Pregnant and New Mothers
Jamie will advocate for support programs such as the Moms Do Care (™) program at the Beth Israel Lahey Health’s Beverly Hospital. This program includes support up to three years postpartum, access to psychiatric care, medication-assisted treatment, and connections to community services.
Partnerships with Law Enforcement
Substance use is a disease and should be treated with physical and mental health support, not just incarceration. Partnerships with our local law enforcement already exist in many areas of our district thanks to the leadership of the public safety sectors. Jamie will partner with them to do more and provide the resources they need.
Support Access to Naxelone (Narcan)
We need to increase and bolster grants for emergency medical treatments to municipalities, state agencies, and first responders who need access to Narcan, a medication that has been proven to save lives.
Targeting the Pharmaceutical Companies
It is time to hold the companies who contributed the opioid crisis accountable, and force them to contribute funding and resources to the programs outlined above. I will push for federal legislation that forces pharmaceutical companies to be a part of the solution to the crisis that they created.
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