THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, August 16, 2019 Page 21 Senators Markey and Hassan query HHS on status of measuring opioid response progress F ollowing a recent preliminary report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating a reduction in nonfatal opioid overdoes in 2018, U.S. Senator Edward Markey and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) inquiring how the department is comprehensively measuring progress in curtailing the nation’s opioid epidemic. Last year, along with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, Markey and Hassan introduced the National Milestones to Measure Progress in Ending the Opioid Epidemic Act of 2018, which required HHS to develop a scorecard to measure progress in responding to the opioid overdose crisis. This bill was included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act that became law in October 2018. The Senators’ letter focused on the administration’s efforts to implement the Milestones requirements included in SUPPORT. “We need to stay focused on tracking all relevant trends related to the opioid overdose crisis, not just overdose fatalities, to gain a clearer picture of where we are as a country in ending this epidemic,” the senators said to HHS Secretary Alex Azar in their letter. “This additional information will help the federal government and states identify interventions that are working and those that are not, as well as recognizing areas for conHappy Anniversary! OBITUARIES Rose M. (Pizzi) LaRossa tinued investment to improve health outcomes for individuals impacted by the epidemic.” In the letter to Azar, Markey and Hassan asked questions that include: • As required by law, the HHS Secretary has 180 days to develop or identify existing national indicators to measure the response to the opioid crisis. What are the at least 10 national indicators that are being used to measure progress in addressing the opioid crisis? • For each of the 10 indicators, what is HHS’s stated goal or metric and annual targets, as the law requires HHS to develop? • What barriers, if any, has HHS faced in identifying both the indicators and metrics to be used to measure the progress of the public health response to the opioid crisis? • To date, what data do we have related to the following metrics outlined in the law related to the number of nonfatal overdoses, emergency room visits related to opioid misuse and abuse, individuals in sustained recovery from opioid use disorder, infections associated with illicit drug use, providers and the settings in which providers are using medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, and individuals in treatment for opioid use disorder. • What are the current treatOn August 18, David and Tina Oliveri celebrated their 1st Year of Marriage. Dave is a custodian in the Everett Public Schools, and Tina is employed at Spaulding Rehab in Charlestown. They reside in Everett with children Nick, 18, Kaleigh, 16 and Cristina, 14. ment statistics and trends for individuals who have suffered a nonfatal overdose? How are these numbers helping to guide resource decisions in the effort to end the crisis? COMMITTEE | FROM PAGE 9 this surgery immediately. We are forever grateful to Nicole for navigating the insurance system. We were running out of time. “To this day, I catch my breath when I remember the doctor’s words, ‘he may never walk again without immediate surgery.’ Also, there would be a lasting weakness and pain with the nerve damage. “He was days from never walking again. This story is a tribute to the JCCHCE, and the people who work so diligently for its success. We thank our dear friend, Jackie Coogan, who connected us with this organization which she founded and Nicole Graffam, Executive Director. We are forever grateful for their assistance. Please continue with us to support their mission and their outstanding, important assistance, work and mission!” JCCHCE has much to celebrate, and with your tax-exempt donation and help, it will be able to achieve much more in the years to come! For more information about the Gala, please contact the JCCHCE at 617-394-2414 or by visiting 484 Broadway, room 2, Everett, Mass.; please see Nicole Graffam and/or Anna Fabrizio. You can also email Executive Director Nicole Graffam Settipane Insurance Agency Of Boston |Since 1969 209 Broadway, Revere 781-284-1100 Auto • Homeowners Conveniently located with Free Parking “Experience Makes the Difference” Tenants • Commercial Se Habla Español at nicole.graffam@ci.everett. ma.us and/or go to the website www.jcchce.org. Of Everett, Aug. 7. Beloved wife of the late Joseph A. LaRossa. Dear and devoted mother of Claire F. Merenda and her husband, Michael of Durham, NH, Martin LaRossa and his wife, Barbara of Everett and Edward LaRossa and his wife, Jenny of Southington, CT. Rose was predeceased by 16 siblings. Loving grandmother of Michael Merenda, Jr. and his wife, Ruth, Christopher Merenda and his wife, Tammy, Holly Carmam and her husband, Al, Bethany Lowe and her husband, Brian, Jesse LaRossa and his wife, Mayra, Cassie LaRossa and Nikki LaRossa, and loving great-grandmother of Willy Merenda, Opal Merenda, Ja'Quan Merenda, Da'Jaun Merenda, Angelo Merenda, and Juliet Rose Lowe. • Burials • Cremations • Pre-Arrangements • Serving the Greater Boston and North Shore regions for over 250 years! It is our purpose to give thoughtful service, and if in so doing, we have helped to lighten your burden, our goal has been accomplished. We sincerely hope that our service will be deserving of your confidence and wish to offer our continued friendship. 331 Main Street, Everett, MA 02149 Valet Parking Available (617) 387-4180 www.roccofuneralhomes.com
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