Opioid Abuse Addressed at State Senator's Forum

Photo (left to right): Senator Jason Lewis, Massachusetts Secretary of Health & Human Services Marylou Sudders, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Mystic Valley Regional Opiate Abuse Prevention Coordinator Penny Funaiole, and Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse Director Erica McNamara.

Senator Jason Lewis recently held a public forum on combating substance abuse and opioid addiction in our communities at Reading Memorial High School as a part of his ongoing Community Conversations issue discussion series.

The forum was attended by about 50 area residents. Featured speakers included Massachusetts Secretary of Health & Human Services Marylou Sudders, Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Mystic Valley Regional Opiate Abuse Prevention Coordinator Penny Funaiole, and Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse Director Erica McNamara.

A wide range of relevant issues were covered including efforts to reduce prescribed opioids in circulation and to crack down on fentanyl trafficking, as well as strategies to expand treatment and screening, particularly for young people. Members of the community not only brought thoughtful questions but also shared personal stories about how their families have been affected by the scourge of substance abuse and addiction.