(6/21/2022) According to a report released by the Department of Public Health last week, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts reached a new record high last year. The 2,290 opioid-related overdose deaths reported represent an 8.8% increase from 2020.
Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), who is Vice-Chair of the Legislature’s Substance Use and Recovery Committee, secured funding in the recent FY’23 Senate Budget to help combat this epidemic in Western Massachusetts. This includes $50,000 for Tapestry Health to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device and $75,000 for Baystate Noble Hospital’s Opioid Treatment & Prevention Grant Program.
“The numbers being reported by the Department of Public Health are utterly heartbreaking and shine a light on how hard this pandemic has been for individuals struggling with substance use,” said Senator Velis. “This period of isolation and stress has been challenging beyond belief and many people have been unable to access essential care. It is my hope that this funding will help Tapestry and Baystate expand their work and save lives throughout our communities.”
Senator Velis’ amendment for Tapestry Health provides funding to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device. Originally used by military forces facing bioterrorism, these devices can identify when fatal substances like Fentanyl are present in a drug supply. In 2020, Fentanyl was found in 92% of overdose related deaths in Massachusetts where a toxicology report was completed. Mass Spectrometer Devices can identify substances like Fentanyl on a mass scale and are more reliable than Fentanyl test strips.
For the past couple of years, Tapestry has partnered with Brandeis University to use their Spectrometer Device once a month. Now, Tapestry will have one of their own to help expand this initiative and save even more lives across our region.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Velis for this amendment. Fentanyl and other substances that contaminate the drug supply are driving the tragic increase in opioid deaths. A spectrometer gives the community the ability to identify these contaminants and alert folks to their presence. It is a truly lifesaving tool,” said Cheryl Zoll, CEO of Tapestry Health.
Senator Velis’ amendment for Baystate Noble Hospital in the Senate Budget will allow the hospital to continue their Opioid Treatment and Prevention Community Grant Program. The program is a partnership between Baystate and community organizations that support individuals struggling with substance use on the ground.
With these amendments now adopted into the Senate’s budget, it will now be considered in a conference committee with the House of Representatives.
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