LYNNFIELD
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Vol. 4, No. 30 - FREE - www.advocatenews.net Lynnfield@advocatenews.net 978-777-6397 Friday, July 27, 2018
Lynnfield students support veterans’ fundraiser at Rte. 1 Grill
Rep. Jones & Sen. Crighton lock in $50K for substance abuse prevention co-ordinator By Christopher Roberson
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Rte. 1 Grill House Manager Tony Floramo (center) is shown with students from Lynnfield High and Central Catholic, from left, Jason Simeone, Michael Colarusso, Phil Tommaro, Richie Floramo, Tony Floramo, Gabby Colarusso, Francesca LaMontagne, Emma Crawsona and Lexi Kelly on Thursday, July 19 during the Saugus restaurant’s first Motorcycle Night fundraising event to benefit local veterans. See story and photos on page 8. . (Advocate photo by Al Terminiello)
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hile helping to build the $41.8 billion state budget for fiscal year 2019, State Representative Bradley Jones and State Senator Brendan Crighton were able to include $50,000 for “a coordinator for a new substance abuse committee.” “I’m pleased Sen. Crighton and I were able to work together to secure this critical funding piece in the state budget for Lynnfield,” Jones said in a written statement. “This money will enhance Lynnfield’s efforts to address the public health threat posed by substance abuse, while the additional local aid funding will help the town continue to provide many essential municipal services that benefit all residents.” Crighton also highlighted the importance of having a
substance abuse–prevention coordinator in town. “Substance abuse is an issue that touches families throughout the Commonwealth,” he said. “I’m proud to join with [House Minority] Leader Jones to advocate for this important initiative and look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the Lynnfield community.” Town Administrator Robert Dolan said the $50,000 allocation is “needed and appreciated.” “Like all communities, Lynnfield has not been immune to the opioid crisis. Our state delegation has shown once again that the town has great partners in fighting this epidemic,” he said. “We have seen firsthand, through the Healthy Lynnfield coalition, citizens of all ages, clergy, ed-
CO-ORDINATOR | SEE PAGE 3
Opioid crisis still a concern By Christopher Roberson
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s surrounding communities continue to be plagued by the ongoing opioid crisis, seven overdose fatalities were reported in Lynnfield between 2013 and 2017, according to the state Department of Public Health. In contrast, Saugus had seven fatalities in 2017 alone. In addition, Wakefield had eight overdose deaths while Reading and North Reading each lost five residents to substance abuse. Although two fatal overdoses were reported in Lynnfield last year, Police Chief David Breen said zero is the only acceptable number. “Zero opioid-related deaths are what we strive for; I recall many years when we had none,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get abusers to agree to get the help they need, but that is exactly what we need to do.” Going forward, Breen said, he and his officers will continue to have their guard up, particularly with the crisis being compounded by the deadly presence of fentanyl. “It is a major concern of all law en-
forcement that opioid-related deaths may increase,” he said. “It will take a combined effort of public safety, the Lynnfield School District’s drug awareness initiatives, prevention, counseling and rehabilitation to be successful.” Breen also called attention to A Healthy Lynnfield, which has been working to fight the epidemic since May of last year. “I believe the Healthy Lynnfield Coalition is gaining momentum and will spearhead our efforts to address these concerns,” he said. In addition, Breen lauded State Rep. Bradley Jones and State Sen. Brendan Crighton for securing $50,000 for the town to hire a substance abuse –prevention coordinator.“The Healthy Lynnfield Coalition really needs a full-time coordinator to direct our efforts,” said Breen. “I’m extremely pleased that we got the $50,000 grant so that we can have an impact on the many issues we face, including opioid abuse.” Jones and Crighton said they were glad to provide their assis-
CRISIS | SEE PAGE 2