Middlesex DA Speaks to Retired Men's Club of Arlington About Opioid Epidemic

From the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office

ARLINGTON – Last week, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan spoke to nearly 100 members of the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington about the risks and impacts of the opioid epidemic. The presentation provided information to attendees about how to manage their prescription medication, keep medication safe from theft, properly dispose of unused or expired medication and how to identify signs of substance misuse in loved ones.

District Attorney Ryan has been meeting with members of communities across the county to provide an essential understanding of opioids, educating residents on the origin of the problem and focusing on issues including overprescribing and prescription drug use as a gateway to heroin.

Recognizing that the impact of the opioid epidemic on seniors is extensive, District Attorney Ryan, who previously chaired the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office’s Elder Protection Unit, has prioritized outreach to older adults recognizing that seniors often have opioids at home, either from a prior surgery or as an active prescription for chronic pain. They can also be financially vulnerable and susceptible to pressure from family members who may approach them for money knowing that seniors regularly receive checks.

Middlesex County has experienced a 185% increase in overdose deaths since 2012. Since that time, in Arlington there have been 13 fatal heroin overdoses, this year there have been two fatal overdoses.

Pictured: Retired Men’s Club of Arlington Vice President Phil Ste. Marie and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. Image via the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.