Friday, January 23, 2015

Tapestry applauds AG Healey's Opioid Initiative

Photo credit: Mark M. Murray / The Republican
You have probably seen that our new Attorney General, Maura Healey, has designated the state’s crippling opioid crisis as her first major initiative as she takes office this month. Her attention to this issue means a lot to us here at Tapestry Health. Our harm reduction work includes a strong focus on reducing the terrible impact of opioid use, through our two syringe exchanges and ongoing nalaxone education and outreach programs. Every day our staff witness the devastating consequences of this crisis for our region.

In 2013 the death rate from opioid use in Hampshire County was 42% higher than that of the state. Current opioid overdose death rate in the Northwestern District Attorney’s catchment area (both Hampshire and Franklin counties) is 18.9 deaths per 100,000, as compared to the state’s 2013 rate of 10.1 per 100,000. 

Even these startling numbers don’t tell the full story. In our programs we see stigmatized opioid users who can’t access other desperately needed health services that could save their lives. We see how opioid-related deaths affect not only the immediate victim, but can lead to trauma for their families, friends and the community.  

Since 2007, Tapestry Health has participated in a statewide naloxone pilot program that aims to turn this crisis around. In 2014 alone, Tapestry trained 620 community members on how to recognize an opiate overdose, how to use nasal naloxone to reverse a possibly fatal overdose and distributed 1,476 nasal naloxone kits to community members.

We are so fortunate to have public officials like Maura Healey, our own DA Dave Sullivan, and many others who are willing to put this issue front and center and to support targeted efforts like these that we know make a difference. It’s vital that our region expand community education about opioids and their risks and work even harder to equip family and friends with the skills and tools necessary to save the life of a loved one that is overdosing.We look forward to working with the Attorney General’s office and local coalitions to develop a comprehensive response to this ongoing crisis.

For more information: http://bit.ly/1yZfjgG