GBHBy Esteban BustillosApril 20, 2022 Advocates are calling for the end of a Massachusetts policy that allows men to be put in correctional facilities when they are involuntarily commited for treatment of substance use disorder. The practice, which is allowed under a statute known as Section 35, ended in 2016 for women but is still […]
Mass. legislators debate whether to fund addiction programs that lock people up
WBURBy Deborah BeckerApril 21, 2022 Massachusetts lawmakers are debating whether to continue supporting programs that put people inside jails and prisons for addiction treatment. Both Gov. Charlie Baker and the House leadership have proposed setting aside roughly $23 million in the budget for such addiction programs. But State Rep. Ruth Balser has filed budget amendments […]
Involuntary substance abuse programs at Mass. jails, prisons amount to ‘inhumane’ treatment, advocates say
Budget amendments target funding for Section 35 programs in Hampden County The Berkshire EagleBy Chris Van Buskirk, State House News ServiceApril 20, 2022 BOSTON — Involuntary treatment programs at jails and prisons in Massachusetts for people with substance use or alcohol disorders can create “inhumane” settings and lead to relapses post-release. That was the message […]
The Jailing of Jesse Harvey
A drug war activist turned to civil commitment for help — and found a civil liberties nightmare. Type InvestigationsBy Jordan Michael SmithMarch 23, 2022 Jesse Harvey had one big idea left. Charismatic and outspoken, he was a graduate student of public policy at the University of Southern Maine and a prominent activist battling the drug […]
Changes to Section 35 are being reviewed by lawmakers. Here’s what you should know.
“Section 35 is meant to be a very limited application.” Boston.comDecember 1, 2021By Dialynn Dwyer Massachusetts ended the practice in 2016 of sending women to correctional facilities for addiction treatment when they are civilly committed. Now, an effort is underway to do the same for men who are involuntarily committed under the state’s Section 35 […]
Hearing shows setting matters for addiction, mental health care
State House News/MassLiveNovember 9, 2021By Katie Lannan BOSTON (SHNS) – Two sets of elected officials on Monday offered different visions on the role of correctional facilities in addiction treatment, an issue that has become part of the public debate over how to respond to the substance use and homelessness crises at Boston’s Massachusetts Avenue and […]
Media Advisory: Medical, public health, and addiction experts to urge officials to take a health-focused approach at “Mass. and Cass”
MEDIA ADVISORY TODAY: Medical, public health, and addiction experts to urge officials to take a health-focused approach at “Mass. and Cass” BOSTON, October 27, 2021 – Public health and addiction professionals, advocates for unhoused people, and legal experts will gather today, October 27 at Bradston Street in Boston to urge officials to take a health-focused approach at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. The […]
Experts in public health, housing, and addiction rebuke Boston officials over actions at Mass. and Cass.
Experts in public health, housing, and addiction rebuke Boston officials over actions at Mass. and Cass. Boston.comOctober 26, 2021By Dialynn Dwyer Leaders and advocates working in public health, housing, and addiction are denouncing the steps Boston officials are taking to handle the humanitarian crisis in the area of the city known as Mass. and Cass. […]
Suffolk County Sheriff says courtroom in his jail will soon open to help address ‘Mass. and Cass’ addiction crisis
Suffolk County Sheriff says courtroom in his jail will soon open to help address ‘Mass. and Cass’ addiction crisis WBUROctober 25, 2021By Deborah Becker Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins’ plan to outfit his jail with a new addiction treatment program — along with a makeshift courtroom to process criminal cases — appears to be on […]
Suffolk Sheriff Tompkins proposes to convert empty detention center into temporary housing for people living in tents by Mass. and Cass
Suffolk Sheriff Tompkins proposes to convert empty detention center into temporary housing for people living in tents by Mass. and Cass September 25, 2021The Boston GlobeBy Shirley Leung What is more humane, allowing the squalor and rampant drug use at Boston’s Mass. and Cass street encampment to continue, or relocating some people living there into […]