A task force on opioid and prescription drug abuse is being planned by State Attorney General Maura Healy.
This is a problem that has been plaguing neighborhoods across the state, including the North End/Waterfront communities.
Healey has filed to expand the reach of the State’s Prescription Monitoring Program, address market prescribing and dispensing practices that lead to abuse, support public education and outreach efforts, direct resources toward addiction and treatment programs, investigating drug trafficking and review the cost and availability of anti-overdose medication.
A non-profit, all volunteer group, North End Against Drugs (NEAD) for over 20 years has been serving the community, providing educational information on the dangers of drug and alcohol and the negative affect they pose to users, family and friends.
“Every day families across Massachusetts are being torn apart by this epidemic,” Healy said. “We must lead the nation in confronting this public health crisis. I will build on our state’s many ongoing efforts and bring every resource I have to the table.”
NEAD President John Romano supports Healy’s efforts to form a task force to deal with drug problems.
“NEAD works with many other community agencies, organizations, including District A-1 Boston Police,” Romano said. “Together, the community receives educational programs and events dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.”
Romano added, “Our group would love to have the Attorney General speech at one of our many events.”