When we initially formed the Opioid Task Force in 2015, we were focused on combatting the opioid epidemic and reducing heroin overdoses.
Since then, the epidemic has changed, and our understanding of its root causes has changed and expanded, as well.
The opioid epidemic evolved into a polysubstance crisis. The emergence of fentanyl continues to wreak havoc on our society as it leads to record-high overdose deaths. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a drastic increase in mental health and trauma-related challenges.
It was paramount that we pivot, respond to these evolving trends, and drive harder at addressing and understanding the root causes perpetuating these deadly overdoses.
We recently renamed our task force the Prevention and Support Network (PSN) to be more inclusive of all the work we’re doing.
People with mental health challenges and trauma find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle of using substances to self-medicate to treat a mental health disorder.
With this community we’ve built through the task force, we’ll continue working as the PSN to break this cycle.
We will find best practices for prevention. We’re building our Worcester County Drug Endangered Children’s Alliance and implementing Handle With Care programs in schools to help address childhood trauma. Handle With Care connects police and schools, identifying when children have experienced a traumatic event and encouraging a warm handoff to the school with a simple three-word message – “handle with care.”
Children who experience trauma are 50% more likely to end up with a substance use disorder and 50% more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.
We will also provide support to those suffering from a substance use disorder or facing mental health challenges.
Alone we go fast, but together we go further.
If you’d like to join the PSN, please email [email protected].
On March 7, we’ll be hosting the Deputy Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. Wilson Compton to discuss the latest on addiction, recovery, and the aspects of public health we should all consider as we work to address overdose deaths. We hope you will join this important discussion.
Joseph D. Early Jr.
Worcester County District Attorney
