American Medical Association: Overdose Epidemic Report 2023
The American Medical Association published their 2023 report on the overdose epidemic in the US. Within this report, they highlight overdose prevention centers as one of the harm reduction tools needed to combat the opioid epidemic.
NEW POLL: Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly support allowing municipalities to establish overdose prevention centers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2023 CONTACT:Kate Lagreca, klagreca@aclum.org BOSTON – Seventy percent (70%) of Massachusetts voters support passing state legislation to allow cities and towns to establish overdose prevention centers, according to a new Beacon Research poll released today by Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers (MA4OPC). Overdose prevention centers are legally authorized facilities where […]
Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 31, 2023 CONTACT: Kate Lagreca, klagreca@aclum.org BOSTON – Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers (MA4OPC) today recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to honor the people whose lives have been impacted by overdose, including family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one or workers in health care, first responders, and […]
Healey administration grapples with record high opioid deaths
This article speaks in-depth about new data released by the Department of Public Health showcasing the increase in opioid-related deaths within the state and the Healey administration’s plan to find solutions.
Coalition of health experts call for legislation to create overdose prevention centers in MA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 22, 2023 Press Contact: Susan Ryan-Vollmarsusan@influenceconsulting.net617-999-5644 Massachusetts for Overdose Prevention Centers (MA4OPC) today hosted an event at the State House demonstrating broad support for passing legislation to establish life-saving overdose prevention centers (OPCs) in the Commonwealth. Today’s event followed the release of new statewide data, showing overdose deaths have reached an all-time […]
‘I don’t hear her talking about it’: Opioid crisis stakeholders hope Healey keeps campaign promises
This article outlines the expectations by stakeholders in the fight to reduce opioid-related overdoses by the Healey administration. Specifically, it magnifies the voices of community leaders and the benefits of opioid prevention centers as a method to combat overdoses.
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.
