Senator’s Message: Help is on The Way

The addictive opioid crisis smashes against the deadly fentanyl crisis, leaving more than 2,000 families grieving because of overdoses. Sen. Velis was appointed to chair the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery by Senate President Karen Spilka, a charge he takes with a passion for helping people live their best lives.

“The unfortunate truth is most people in our Commonwealth know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, and it is absolutely heartbreaking how many loved ones we continue to lose to this disease,” he said. “A single overdose in Massachusetts is one too many,” said Spilka. “Opioids have stolen life from parents, children, siblings, and friends. The legislation approved by the Senate today makes powerful strides towards mitigating this crisis by helping those coping with substance use disorder reduce harm, find treatment, and achieve recovery that lasts a lifetime. I am grateful for the work of Chair Rodrigues, Senator Cyr, and Senator Velis, on this legislation that will save lives.”

For more information about this legislation, click here.

For information on opioid overdoses in the commonwealth, click here.

For information about Sen. Velis, and the committees he serves on in the Senate, click here.