Baker Unveils Plan to Tackle Drug Addiction Crisis in Mass.

Plan would require hospitals, first responders to report overdoses directly to Dept. of Public Health

Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker has unveiled what he's calling a comprehensive approach to tackling the drug addiction crisis in Massachusetts.

The plan announced by Baker on Thursday would require hospitals and first responders to report overdoses directly to the Department of Public Health and mandate doctors consult the state's Prescription Monitoring Program before writing or renewing a prescription on an annual basis.

Baker said the state should work with schools to develop age-appropriate programs to help children understand the physical, social and economic consequences of addiction. He said the state should also ensure there are suitable in-patient facilities for teenagers and young adults fighting addiction.

The GOP gubernatorial hopeful says his approach to the addiction problem would address prevention and treatment at the same time.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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