The two chairs of the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, State Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan and State Representative Elizabeth Malia.

By Amy Swain

July 16 saw throngs of Massachusetts residents gathered at the State House in Boston in support of several bills pertaining to achieving higher mental health standards, especially regarding addiction.

At 11 o’clock, on the third floor of the State House, the Addiction Free Futures Project was launched. The project is aimed at expanding the use of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).

SBIRT has previously been used in instances of obvious drug use, or on those with a high risk based on past behavior or environment. Due to the increase in drug addiction in recent years, specifically opioids, many in Massachusetts have requested an increase in the training and use of SBIRT.

Specifically, this pertains to bill S.284, which has added: “Substance use screenings shall be performed by nurses, physicians, or other personnel who are approved by the department of public health for the purpose, and shall be conducted at least once annually in grades 8 or 9, and 11.” This is in addition to other adjustments, all of which can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S284. What this means is that screenings may be performed more often, such as by school nurses, and beginning at a younger age.

Testifying at the hearing were individuals who have overcome addiction themselves, and those who have family members or loved ones affected by the disease, as well as medical professionals, including pediatricians.

Testimony included the idea that adolescents often operate on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” type of policy when it comes to substances they do not fully understand. Also, they hear many general statements referring to the notion that drugs are bad. While it was suggested that general idea should remain, the recent problem and availability of more highly addicting drugs suggests that more individual conversations need to be had with our youth. This includes the topic of the danger of prescription pills, as children are often not warned specifically against legal substances used in an illegal manner. SBIRT includes conversations with adolescents, which the committee hopes will be the first steps in prevention.

Massachusetts has been legally proactive about the addiction influx; this particular bill arrived in the senate on June 24, and was approved just three weeks later. Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan and Representative Elizabeth A. Malia co-chair the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, along with several other representatives, voted in favor of four bills at a hearing held directly after the Addiction Free Futures launch, one pertaining to the SBIRT expansion, all relating to mental health and substance abuse.

Somerville Cares About Prevention is a local coalition with the same goal – to reduce substance abuse – that also turns much of its attention toward our youth. To get involved with this organization, or to see what has been going on locally to curb addiction and deal with related problems, visit http://www.somervillema.gov/scap.