Markey Commends Governor Baker for Action on Heroin and Prescription Drug Crisis

Statement

As new Massachusetts state data reveals an even more detailed and alarming increase in opiate-related overdoses than previously known, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today vowed to reintroduce legislation to shield from civil liability family members, health professionals and first responders who administer lifesaving opiate overdose prevention treatments such as naloxone, also called Narcan. The Senator pledged his support for solutions at the local, state, and federal levels and commended Governor Charlie Baker for his commitment to launching an effort to be led by the Attorney General and the Health and Human Services Secretary tasked with taking immediate action to help halt the prescription drug and heroin crisis.

"What we thought was a rising tide of opiate overdoses is truly a tsunami of heroin and prescription drug addiction that we must stop before it drowns any more Massachusetts families and communities," said Senator Markey. "The devastating toll this opiate epidemic is taking can be seen in emergency rooms, jail cells and funeral homes across the state and country. We must act now to respond to this opiates emergency and halt its deadliest effects. I commend Governor Baker for the important action he is taking to ensure we have the best data to understand this crisis and improve state prescription drug monitoring programs. These are critical steps in an effort to develop a truly comprehensive strategy to combat the heroin and prescription drug crisis.

"I plan to reintroduce legislation in the coming weeks to protect family members, friends and other bystanders who administer lifesaving drugs like naloxone that can prevent opiate overdoses. It is our moral responsibility to respond immediately to this epidemic of overdoses, and I will continue to fight for the resources necessary to interrupt the cycle of addiction and help heal our neighborhoods."

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