Opioid-Related Deaths in Massachusetts Remain Elevated Four Years after Peak
This article dives into the opioid crisis in Massachusetts, personalizing the issue for many. The article includes a variety of graphics about opioid/overdose deaths, fentanyl overdose deaths, deaths stratified by gender and race, and more. The graphics highlight who is impacted, and these show the importance of swift and impactful action – one being the legalization and implementation of overdose prevention centers.
Supervised Injection Facilities as Harm Reduction: A Systematic Review
This is a review of a collection of studies performed on overdose prevention centers to determine their effectiveness in reducing overdose mortality, increasing access to treatment, and impact on crime and public safety. The review determined that in all cases, overdose prevention centers achieve lower rates of overdose morbidity and mortality, while increasing access to treatment and lowering crime – the evidence is clear and abundant in the efficacy of overdose prevention centers.
Establishment of a Pilot Medically Supervised Injection Facility in Massachusetts
Related to the above article, this article is a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of how overdose prevention centers would be implemented in Massachusetts. The findings of this analysis recommend that Massachusetts implement a pilot program for overdose prevention centers. The Massachusetts Medical Society is also a member of the MA4OPC Coalition, and this article highlights reasons why we need them now.
