Page 43 - HealthcareNews May/June 2021

AMERICANREDCROSS.................................41 ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE.......12, 21 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK................... 27 BUSINESSWEST 40 UNDER FORTY
TICKET SALES .............................................. 8 CARING HEALTH CENTER............................... 16 CITY OF SPRINGFIELD................................ 5, 10 ELMS COLLEGE..............................................19
HEALTHNEWENGLAND................................13 MEYERS,BROTHERS,KALICKA,P.C..................5
HEALTHCARE HEROES NOMINATIONS .......... 21 HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE.................. 18 HOLYOKE MEDICAL CENTER............................ 7 MERCEDES BENZ OF SPRINGFIELD ............... 11
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER/TRINITY HEALTH
OF NEW ENGLAND .............15, BACK COVER
MIRA VISTA ................................................... 12 PEOPLESBANK ................................................ 2 RIVER VALLEY COUNSELING .................. 8, 9, 27 VA MEDICAL CENTER.....................................17 YMCA OF SPRINGFIELD ................................. 26
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Opioids
Continued from page 27
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel added that “the dis- parities in overdose trends among black men underscore the need to continue our public-health-centered, data-driven approach to the opioid epidemic that is disproportionately impacting high-risk, high-need, priority populations. Too many families have lost loved ones to overdoses, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the recov- ery supports needed, especially for those hardest-hit by the opioid crisis.”
The powerful synthetic opioid fen- tanyl continues to be the main driver
of opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts, according to the report. The rate of fentanyl present among opioid-related overdose deaths where a toxicology report was available was 92% in 2020, preliminary data show.
The rate of heroin or likely heroin present in opioid-related overdose deaths was 14%, continuing a down- ward trend since 2014. After fentanyl, cocaine continues to be the next most prevalent drug among opioid-related overdose deaths, present in toxicology reports at a rate of 46% in 2020.
Markey is among a group of five
U.S. senators who recently introduced the “Support, Treatment, and Overdose Prevention (STOP) of Fentanyl Act” to combat the fentanyl overdose crisis. This legislation aims to bolster the public-health response to illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids by build- ing on previous efforts by Congress to expand access to substance-use treat- ment, enhance overdose prevention, and improve public-health surveillance, monitoring, and education. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives as well.
“It’s not just an opioid crisis, but a fentanyl crisis,” Markey said, noting that stark 92% figure. “We cannot turn a blind eye to this deadly killer drug that has taken far too many innocent lives, especially as we all continue to grieve the millions of lives lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Even the impact of fentanyl on the opioid crisis may be exacerbated by CO- VID-19, he added. While most people may think of the economic downturn affecting mental health, as well as isola-
“
tion making it more likely that no one is around to administer naloxone after an overdose, the pandemic has also disrupted the usual drug supply chains. “Many have turned to new drug sup- pliers, which may be lacing with deadly fentanyl.”
Fight on Many Fronts
The good news is that Massachusetts has been fighting this battle on many fronts for a long time, and the infra- structure is in place to ramp up efforts to get the crisis under control.
“The unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic
did not slow down our aggressive fight against the opioid epidemic,” Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said. “We will continue to target critical resources and develop innovative solutions to reduce opioid addiction and overdose deaths.”
Baker added that, “while Massachu- setts experienced a smaller increase in drug-related deaths compared to the rest of the country, these trends make clear we have to redouble our efforts. That’s why we have continued to ensure access to life-saving tools like naloxone; focus on prevention strategies, especially in communities of color; and provide pathways to treatment and supports
for those struggling with addiction. We remain focused on fighting the opioid epidemic even as we continue to battle
Law
Continued from page 31
law must be returned to same or similar posi- tion as he or she had prior to their leave.
If an employee files a lawsuit against his or her employer for violation of the PFML law and the employer is found to be in violation of the PFML law, numerous remedies are avail- able to the employee. These remedies include reinstatement of the employee to the same or similar position, three times the employee’s lost wages and benefits, and the employee’s at- torney’s fees incurred in bringing the action.
Can Employers Opt Out of the Program?
Some Massachusetts employers can opt
out of the PFML program and apply for an exemption from paying PFML contributions if they purchase a private plan with benefits that are as generous as the state’s plan, and which provide the same protections.
Get Assistance with Making Policy
The PFML rollout presents a great deal of new information to navigate both for employ- ees and employers. A qualified attorney will be able to assist with interpretation of the PFML, amending current leave policies, and practical matters of doing business in this new benefit environment. For those with questions about the Massachusetts PFML program, the best protection is to seek guidance from an experi- enced employment-law attorney. v
Attorney Katharine Shove is an associate with Bacon Wilson, P.C. and a member of the firm’s litigation team. She works on matters of employment law involving discrimination and retaliation, wage-and- hour laws, and workplace policies and compliance; (413) 781-0560; kshove@ baconwilson.com
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At a moment like this, surrounded by so much pain, so much loss, so much
grief, we cannot forget these five words: treatment works; recovery is possible.”
COVID, and are committed to funding new and innovative programs to support our residents.”
Markey noted that the national re- sponse to COVID-19 shows the efficacy of a nationwide response to a crisis, and the opioid battle is one that needs to be fought on every level — local, state, and national.
“At a moment like this, surrounded by so much pain, so much loss, so much grief, we cannot forget these five words: treatment works; recovery is possible,” he said. “We need a real treatment and recovery plan for the opioid epidemic, and to stop overdoses before more lives are lost.” v