Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 10, 2025 COUNCIL| FROM PAGE 1 pointments to the various Council committees. Also, he proposed some changes – primarily in the number of fellow Councillors on various committees – which were entertained, then received initial approval by a vote of his colleagues. That particular numbers change, going from three to five members on some committees, was proposed so a quorum could be more efficiently attained to comply with Open Meeting Law regulations. Since the member number change is essentially a change in Council rules, a second vote must be taken at the next full Council meeting (Tuesday, January 21), Council President O’Malley explained. O’Malley opened a brief presentation to his colleagues and the public by delineating some personal leadership/procedural goals LAW| FROM PAGE 1 coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure expands non-opioid pain treatments, establishes licensing for recovery coaches and supports preghe has for the coming year. He used the acronym “ENGAGE” in his outline: —Embrace technology and off nights for some committee meetings —Notify Mayor to submit proposals directly to City Council or Committees —Go directly to committees with papers from Councillors —Allow public to remotely access ALL meetings over “Teams” (a technological service) —Generate 2025 Goals for City Council at second meeting —Encourage key resources to participate in City Council meetings O’Malley called them “over-arching goals,” which he said he compiled after consultation with the city’s Chief Strategy Officer, Ron Hogan. The intent, the Council President said, is to streamline the work of the Council as it collaborates with other resources and personnel. nant women and their children who have been exposed to certain substances. In the summer of 2024, both the House of Representatives and Senate passed versions of the bill, and a conference committee was appointed to resolve them. Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING *REASONABLE RATES * PROMPT SERVICE * PARKING LOTS USA 781-521-9927 MARCHETTI CORP. 46 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2024 Regular Unleaded $2.839 Mid Unleaded $3.379 Super $3.479 Diesel Fuel $3.359 Kerosene Available! HEATING O L IL ULS $4.759 $3.24 9 DEF Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! 24-Hour Burner Service Open an account and order online at: In addition to these goals, O’Malley also announced the introduction of three new special committees to the Council list: —Arts & Culture Committee: Committee of five shall work to expand arts & culture opportunities in Malden. —Community Traditions: Committee of five shall work to inventory/document cherished Malden traditions. —Quadricentennial Planning: Committee of three shall work to start planning and fundraising for Malden’s 400th Anniversary in 2049. “We must work to preserve memories of traditions that make Malden special,” Council President O’Malley said. “Seven Bumps, the I-A Road Races, there are many traditions.” As for the upcoming 400th Anniversary, “It is very difficult for our city to fund major projects, so we can have a head start on a major The bill was then enacted in December 2024, and Governor Maura Healey signed it into law (Chapter 285) in December 2024. Chapter 285 will greatly expand access to opioid-reversal drugs like naloxone. In 2023, 2,125 lives were lost as a result of an overdose, 232 fewer than in 2022, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). Since 2023, naloxone has reversed more than 10,000 overdoses in Massachusetts. “The devastating impacts of substance use disorder cause immeasurable pain to families, friends, and neighbors in our communities, especially for those who have lost loved ones,” said Senator Lewis. “This new law will help more people along their journey to recovery and save many lives.” “This recovery bill represents a monumental step in ensuring that people with substance use disorders have access to comprehensive treatment and recovery support,” said Representative Donato. “By establishing licensure for recovery coaches, we are certifying a workforce to assist individuals on their path towards recovery.” “This law is a powerful step forHours: Monday thru Friday 6 AM to 7 PM / Saturdays 7 AM to 5 PM / Sundays 9 AM to 5 PM ward in our fight against the opioid crisis,” said Representative Ultrino. “By expanding access to treatment, supporting recovery, and providing the resources necessary for long-term success, we are giving individuals the opportunity to reclaim their lives and rebuild stronger, healthier commucelebration 25 years away in 2049. If we can start saving something now every year, we could make it happen.” The new Council President also announced the consolidation of the Public Property, Public Works and Cemetery Committees into one committee: Public Property. This committee was one of those he announced would be increased from three to five members. O’Malley also said it was intended for this move to be codified, or made permanent in the Council rules, by vote of the members. O’Malley then announced the Council Committee assignments for the coming 2025 municipal legislative year. See separate story box with full City Council Committee assignments listed. The chairpersons for the major, standing Council committees are as follows: —Community Engagement & nities for all.” “I was glad to join the Legislature to enact this timely piece of legislation to address our state’s ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “Too many families have lost loved ones to addiction. With critical provisions aimed at expanding access to resources like reversal drugs and recovery coaches and protections for our public health and harm reduction workers, this bill will save lives.” Key provisions of the legislation: • Mandating that all health insurance plans cover opioid reversal drugs, such as naloxone and Narcan – without cost-sharing or prior authorization • Educating patients with a history of opioid use about reversal drugs by requiring hospitals and SUD treatment facilities to teach patients about opioid reversal drugs and to prescribe or dispense at least two doses to at-risk patients upon discharge • Requiring pharmacies to maintain a sufficient supply of opioid reversal drugs in areas with high incidences of overdoses • Establishing recovery coach licensure under the DPH and requiring health insurance plans to cover recovery coach services • Expanding access to non-opioid pain treatments by incorporating non-opioid alternatives into provider training and updating insurance provider requirements to ensure inclusion of non-opioid Inclusion Committee: Chairperson Karen Colón Hayes (at-large). —Finance Committee: Chairperson Carey McDonald (at-large). —License Committee: Chairperson Jadeane Sica (Ward 8). —Personnel & Appointments Committee: Chairperson Amanda Linehan (Ward 3). —Public Safety Committee: Chairperson Paul Condon (Ward 2). —Public Property Committee (with Public Works and Cemetery): Chairperson Craig Spadafora (atlarge). —Rules & Ordinance Committee: Chairperson Stephen Winslow (Ward 6). The City Council voted unanimously to accept the Council Committee assignments, with the intention of taking another vote at the next full Council meeting to codify the Public Property change in both name and number of members (from three to five). treatments • Boosting anti-discrimination protections for people with SUD by clarifying DPH’s authority to enforce anti-discrimination protections; prohibiting discrimination against those lawfully possessing or taking medication for opioid-related SUD treatment • Promoting the recovery of pregnant women on medications for SUD by clarifying that encountering a substance-exposed newborn does not trigger an automatic referral to the Department of Children and Families, and directing the department to lead the creation of regulations related to care, treatment and reporting of substance-exposed newborns • Protecting public health and harm reduction organizations from professional disciplinary action or civil or criminal liability if they are providing drug-checking services in good faith, and shielding individuals from criminal liability when seeking treatment from such organizations to help detect and protect against deadly contaminants that are increasingly found in the drug supply • Prohibiting life insurance companies from limiting or refusing coverage to a person solely because they obtained an opioid-reversal drug, and restricting medical malpractice insurers from discriminating against health care practitioners who provide harm reduction services Call Driveways from $35 FLEET Prices subject to change
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