Massachusetts has had approximately 10,000 deaths over the last five years due to the current opioid epidemic. Nearly one in five American households are an alcoholic home, with nearly 40% of American adults having been exposed to alcohol dependency in their families. The epidemic of addiction throughout the Commonwealth and nation will not end with any one single action or through the work of one entity. Instead, it will be a combination of multiple efforts working closely together that will end the prevalence of addiction.​

• Support first responders, public safety officers, and health care workers, so they are empowered to handle this issue.

• Better fund our human service and social service institutions that are on the front line of prevention and outreach, working with families before they become broken homes.

• Use organizations like the Gardner-based GAAMHA as models to innovate treatment and provide services across the Commonwealth.