YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS ONLINE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE HERE! Vol. 34, No.14 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday 12 New Firefighters Added to the Ranks 781-286-8500 Friday, April 5, 2024 City health officials map out plan to combat opioid crisis By Barbara Taormina P ublic Health Director Lauren Buck, Carrie-Ann Salemme and Nicole Palermo from the city’s Substance Use Disorder and Homeless Initiative SUDHI offi ce were at the Board of Health meeting last week for the fi rst of several planned presentations of the funding from the huge statewide opioid settlement that’s coming to Revere and the way the city intends to use the money. Proud Firefi ghter Michael Amato pinned his brother, Seth Tata-Amato during swearing-in ceremonies for the city’s new fi refi ghters in the city hall council chambers last Tuesday. See pages 12-13 for photo highlights. (Courtesy photo, Fire Captain Mark Wolfgang) Revere resident Herby Jean-Baptiste honored during “Black Excellence on the Hill” Buck began with what she called a brief overview of what the opioid crisis looks like in Revere. In 2020 there were 21 overdose deaths, in 2021, 25 deaths and in 2022, 30 Revere residents died from overdoses. The statistics from last year aren't available yet but Buck said police data showed 123 overdoses, 17 of which were fatal. Massachusetts brought a series of lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors for deceptive business practices and advertising that failed to inform the public of the risks of opioid use. Companies, such as Johnson, CVS, Walmart and Walgreen’s were held accountable for fueling the opioid epidemic. The lawsuits ended in settlements expected to bring about $1 billion to Massachusetts over the next 18 years. The state will retain 60 percent of the settlement funds for its Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund. The remaining 40 percent of the settlement funds will be divided among the state's HEALTH | SEE Page 21 On The Bunny Trail Shown from left to right are State Representative Sean Garballey, Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio, State Representative Jessica Giannino, honoree Herby Jean-Baptiste, Herby’s wife and Mayor Patrick Keefe. Special to Th e Advocate O n Friday, March 29, Revere resident Herby Jean-Baptiste was honored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) during their annual “Black Excellence on the Hill” event, which took place in the State House’s Great Hall. Each February, as a part of celebrations to mark Black History Month, the MBLLC organizes this event to celebrate and honor Black leaders from across the Commonwealth. Among the leaders recognized in this year’s event was Revere’s own Herby Jean-Baptiste, who was nominated to be recognized as the 16th Suff olk District’s honoree by State Representative Jessica A. Giannino. “Since Herby has lived in Revere, he has been heavily involved in community-based organizations that serve to better the city. He is a strong union leader in the community who displays values of humble leadership,” said Representative Giannino. “Congratulations, Herby, and thank you for all you do for Revere.” “Herby is a great leader in our city: he’s a small business owner, community organizer, and champion for positive change. We are so grateful he is being recognized for his achievements,” said Mayor Patrick Keefe. HONORED | SEE Page 23 HAPPY EASTER: Shown from left, Crystal, Lucas, 2, and Councillor-At-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo. Approximately 70 people attended Saturday’s Point of Pines Beach Assoc. third annual Easter Egg Hunt along the Point of Pines beach. See photos highlights on page 10. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino)
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