THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, February 21, 2020 Page 3 ~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Rep. Joe McGonagle announces re-election to House of Representatives B OSTON – I offi cially pulled nomination papers to seek re-election as State Representative, so I can continue to represent the people of Everett and their concerns in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. I was born and raised in Everett, so was my dad – and his dad too. Both men instilled in me the value of public service and the importance of giving back to your community. Each and every day, I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community I so deeply cherish. Being your State Representative is the greatest honor of my life and I am proud of the progress we have made over the past 5 years – and we are just getting started! FIGHTING FOR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING: As the Vice Chair of the Housing Committee, I was proud to play an at the State House, combating the opioid epidemic has been a top priority of mine. In the FY2020 budget, the State Legislature placed $150 million into substance abuse treatment programs. At home in Everett, I successfully advocated and secured state funding to pay for a counselor in the Everett School System to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse and for adState Rep. Joe McGonagle is shown with his nomination papers for re-election to the House of Representatives at the Secretary of State's Offi ce in Boston last week. (Courtesy photo) instrumental role in passing the LARGEST Housing Bond Bill valued at $1.8 billion. This bond bill is providing tax credits that encourage development and is making housing more aff ordable. As a result of this legislation, St. Teresa’s on Broadway will be developed to include 77 aff ordable units for seniors. COMBATING SUBSTANCE ABUSE: We all know how hard Everett has been hit by the opioid epidemic. Since arriving Everett continues progress to combat opioid crisis By Christopher Roberson A lthough the opioid epidemic is still a very real danger, the number of fatal overdoses in Everett has steadily declined during the past two years. Tori Cyrus, the Fire Department’s social welfare officer, said there were 101 fatal overdoses in the city last year compared to 180 fatalities in 2017. She said there have been 19 fatal overdoses so far this year, adding that nine of those individuals did not live in Everett. Cyrus also said opioid use no longer carries a criminal stigma. “We’ve gotten away from arresting these individuals,” she said. However, with more than 4,000 types of fentanyl available, Cyrus said, the rate of polysubstance use has continued to climb. “We assume that every bag of powder has some percentage of fentanyl in it,” she said. After an incident, Cyrus said, every eff ort is made to make the individual aware of the myriad of services that the city has available, including the Harm Reduction program, which is off ered through AccessHealth. “The pathways to recovery have to be open,” she said. ditional opioid treatment services at the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA). EXPANDING SENIOR SERVICES: Making sure our seniors age with respect and dignity is critically important to me. In the most recent State Budget, I secured $100,000 to renovate and expand senior services at the Connolly Center. MCGONAGLE | SEE PAGE 18 However, she said someone cannot be forced to accept treatment. “If they say ‘no’ they say ‘no,’” said Cyrus. She also said that many residents now have Narcan in their homes. “The sole purpose of Narcan is to reverse an opioid overdose,” she said, adding that CPR is still necessary if the person has stopped breathing. According to the Fire Department, the following Everett pharmacies have standing orders to fi ll Narcan without a prescription: Walgreens with locations at 317 Ferry St. and 405 Broadway, Target at 1 CRISIS | SEE PAGE 21 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening We are the smile care experts for your entire family In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today
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