Opiate Epidemic
In 2002, I began a career in Public Health, administering a federal HRSA grant for City of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's office. During these years, our department provided federal funding to health centers within a defined Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA) charged with providing mental health and substance use services to those most in need. I collaborated with government officials at both the state and local level, along with health care leaders to advocate for the growing number of individuals receiving services during a time when federal funding was decreasing year after year.
Today, like so many cities and towns, Watertown is faced with the harsh reality that opiate use is not limited to one demographic of the population. As a Town Councilor, I will continue to promote prevention, education, and direct treatment efforts to reverse the trends occurring throughout communities like Watertown. Opiate abuse services have suffered as a result of reduced prevention and education efforts, along with direct services for treatment centers. Our community must come together to address these issues.
Today, like so many cities and towns, Watertown is faced with the harsh reality that opiate use is not limited to one demographic of the population. As a Town Councilor, I will continue to promote prevention, education, and direct treatment efforts to reverse the trends occurring throughout communities like Watertown. Opiate abuse services have suffered as a result of reduced prevention and education efforts, along with direct services for treatment centers. Our community must come together to address these issues.