Reporting of babies exposed to controlled substances

The lead article in the June 19th Boston Globe highlights that “drug-addicted babies in Mass. are triple the national rate,” and details the need for adequate reporting of drug-exposed newborns to inform health care policy, as well as prevention and treatment programs. This is an issue that Senator Brownsberger is acting on. On May 13th …

Drugs and addictions overview

In response to popular demand, I’ve created this conversation category on drugs and addictions. This overview collects some older posts and summarizes my current thinking. I have been thinking about these issues for over 20 years and my thinking has evolved considerably over time. Here is an overview of my thinking on drugs and addictions: …

Senate Passes Bill for Long-Term Substance Abuse Recovery

Senator Brownsberger stood with Senate President Murray and fellow Senators at the President’s May 8th press conference as she announced her plan to address the need for long-term substance abuse treatment in the Commonwealth. Senator Brownsberger serves on the Senate Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options. The Senate took up bill S2133 in formal session today (5/13). It passed unanimously, including an …

S1112, An Act relative to the establishment of independent forensic laboratories and the oversight and accreditation of such laboratories.

Senator Brownsberger submitted the following written testimony to the Joint Committee on Public Safety. TO:          Committee on Public Safety  FROM:     Senator William N. Brownsberger  RE:           S1112, An Act relative to the establishment of      independent forensic sciences laboratories and the oversight and accreditation of such laboratories.  DATE:       February 11, 2014  I am writing in support of S1112, …

Permanent Drug Collection Kiosk Installed in Brighton

The Allston-Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force has announced a permanent collection kiosk for residents looking to safely and easily dispose of prescription and non-prescription medication.   Residents can now find a self-serve MedReturn Kiosk in the lobby of the Boston Police Department D-14 at 301 Washington St. in Brighton.  No questions will be asked to those who use the kiosk to drop off …