Forum in Springfield addresses opioid use in the city

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On Thursday the city of Springfield gathered to have a conversation about opioid use.

Officials say that this forum is an important next step in the city’s efforts to address this epidemic that plagues our neighborhoods. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office successfully litigated opioid companies for their role in driving the opioid crisis. They created a program to help manage seven million dollars to go towards treatment, recovery and education.

“What we’ve already done, Springfield, is that my police, fire department in 2019 have been carrying Narcan, since then they’ve saved nearly 600 lives,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. “I also have behavioral health network officials that go out with my police department to deal with mental health calls.”

Mayor Sarno told 22News that the city has it’s own lawsuit towards these pharmaceutical companies to bring forth more funds into the city. Their aim is to allocate resources strategically and equitably, guided by the voices and needs of the community.

Latest Local News Headlines

Statehouse Spotlight: PFAS and maternal health bills move

Fishermen discover body in Lower Mill Pond in Easthampton

This is the signature dessert from Massachusetts

Inflation: What costs more (and less)?

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.