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Opioid overdose deaths reach new high in Massachusetts in 2021

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Opioid overdose deaths reach new high in Massachusetts in 2021


State well being officers say general the variety of opioid overdose deaths final 12 months was up almost 9% in comparison with 2020, reaching a brand new excessive. That is based on the newest information launched Wednesday from the state’s biannual opioid report.

The report reveals 2,290 whole confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts in 2021, 185 extra deaths than 2020. Whereas Public Well being Commissioner Margret Cooke identified that Massachusetts’ enhance is considerably decrease than nationwide tendencies, with a nationwide 15% spike in overdose deaths final 12 months, the excessive demise depend worries her.

“It’s problematic for Massachusetts and our nation,” she mentioned.

In a digital assembly Wednesday, the State Public Well being Council reviewed the newest overdose information. It confirmed overdose deaths have been way more widespread amongst sure completely different demographics and geographical areas: almost three-quarters of the deaths have been males.

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For the primary time, Cooke mentioned, the state is monitoring opioid deaths amongst American Indian and different Indigenous residents. Whereas the demise toll for Indigenous populations is low, their demise fee is 3 times greater than the state common — and better than some other racial or ethnic group in Massachusetts.

She mentioned some excellent news is that, to date, this 12 months’s demise toll is down 4% % in comparison with the identical interval in 2021.

Nonetheless, Lissette Blondet, govt director of the Massachusetts Affiliation of Group Well being Employees, identified that 2022 information present there are not any counties with a notable decline in deaths — and some have had vital will increase, together with Franklin, Hampshire and Middlesex.

“These are very sobering and devastating statistics,” Blondet mentioned.

In rural areas, remedy entry is harder. Blondet mentioned the state is working with geographically remoted counties to extend entry to cell remedy.

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“There’s not available transportation and it is more durable to get to the providers,” she mentioned.

Blondet and officers attributed the spike in opioid overdose deaths to the pandemic and social isolation.

“As we speak’s report underscores the dangerous influence that the COVID-19 pandemic and the scourge of fentanyl have had on these scuffling with dependancy,” Gov. Charlie Baker mentioned in an announcement, “and we’re dedicated to persevering with our work with the Legislature and our colleagues within the dependancy and restoration neighborhood to spice up entry to providers and remedy.”

“We have to proceed to work and be higher at neighborhood engagement, particularly with communities of colour,” Blondet mentioned. “Stigma nonetheless performs a big half in accessing remedy.”





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Massachusetts

Alanis Morissette, Mates Of State: 5 MA Events This Week

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Alanis Morissette, Mates Of State: 5 MA Events This Week


MASSACHUSETTS — Are you saving your nights outside of the house for the weekend? In Massachusetts, that can often mean missing out on a bevy of great concerts, art exhibits and other events across the state.

In Patch’s latest weekly column, we focus on the events happening throughout the week in the Boston area and beyond.

Below are five events worth checking out, including concerts, film screenings and a celebration — through competition — of poetry and hip-hop.



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Massachusetts

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue

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KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Avenue


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -On Monday, the Knoxville Fire Department reported responding to a house fire in a bedroom at 1544 Massachusetts Avenue.

According to KFD, when fire crews arrived, officers told them the entire house at the dead end of the street was on fire. Crews successfully extinguished the fire and a small yard fire near the home.

KFD responds to house fire on Massachusetts Ave(Knoxville Fire Department)

According to KFD, the home suffered significant damage and was a total loss. Officials also report that despite the building having no electricity and being uninhabitable prior to the fire, three people—two females and one male — still managed to illegally live inside the home.

KFD said one female was taken into custody by Knoxville Fire Investigators and charged with aggravated arson.

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According to KFD, no injuries have been reported from the incident.



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Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter

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Massachusetts woman killed in crash on Route 495 remembered as gifted doll maker and crafter


A woman who was killed in a fatal highway crash on Saturday is being remembered.

According to Massachusetts State Police, at just after 3:15 p.m., State Troopers assigned to the Middleborough Barracks responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 495 southbound in Bridgewater that resulted in the death of passenger in the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling on Interstate 495 when, for reasons still under investigation, it went into the wooded median of the roadway and rolled over. The Malibu’s driver, a 79-year-old Mashpee man, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the vehicle, 74-year-old Lana Testa of Mashpee, sustained fatal injuries and was determined to be deceased by on scene medical personnel.

Friends say that the driver was Lana’s husband Dave.

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Lana was being remembered for her primitive dolls and craft show creations in addition to her contributions to Primitive Place magazine which led the publication to issue a tribute.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Lana Testa’s passing. Lana has been a dedicated supporter and contributor to A Primitive Place magazine from the very beginning. Her passion and creativity left an indelible mark on our community. As a gifted doll maker, Lana brought joy and inspiration to many through her exclusive creations, each one a testament to her extraordinary talent and meticulous craftsmanship.

“One of the cherished memories we hold dear is the feature in the Fall 2011 issue, where Lana and her husband David’s beautiful home was showcased. The image of one of Lana’s dolls “reading” that very issue stands as a poignant reminder of her contributions and the joy she brought to our readers. Lana’s dolls were more than just artistic pieces; they embodied her spirit, love, and dedication to the primitive arts.

“Lana’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those touched by her work. We extend our deepest condolences to David and the entire Testa family during this difficult time. Lana will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever be cherished.”

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Services have not yet been announced.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and investigators from the Plymouth County State Police Detective Unit. Troopers were assisted by Brockton and Raynham Fire and EMS, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.



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