“The report by the Massachusetts OxyContin and Heroin Commission reflects an in-depth review of an epidemic that is devastating to individuals, families, and the community,” said Delahunt. “It is important that the Judiciary Committee learn how Massachusetts is dealing with this issue and what steps the federal government can take to assist states and local communities.”
The forum will be held Monday, April 12th, at 1:00pm at the Gardner Auditorium.
The OxyContin and Heroin Commission’s report released this past November by a 13 member Commission, chaired by MA State Senator Steven Tolman outlines the problems surrounding opiate abuse in the Commonwealth as well as 19 areas where policy changes should occur to improve prevention, education, treatment, incarceration, and long-term programs throughout the state.
“I am pleased that the US House decided to hold this important hearing in Boston. The epidemic of addiction continues to plague our citizens and does not discriminate based on age, sex, race or economic status. With as many as two individuals in the Commonwealth dying each day of drug overdoses, we must continue to be aggressive and change our response, both as a state and nationally, to a crisis that is crippling our communities,” said State Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Brighton). “I commend Chairman Cohen and Congressman Delahunt for looking at the federal response to this issue and I look forward to engaging with the Subcommittee to develop new federal policies.”
The hearing is the product of coordination between the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, the OxyContin and Heroin Commission, and Senator Tolman’s office to address substance abuse issues nationwide. The hearing is open to the public but testimony is by invitation only.
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