Letters to the Editor

HELP THOSE IN NEED

Dear Editor:

In these challenging economic times, those who work in the provider community see extreme hardship on a daily basis. Our ability to respond to situations of homelessness, hunger, substance use disorders, child care issues, domestic violence, inability to heat a home, discrimination, illness etc. is predicated on two variables: the first is the measure of our motivation to solve a problem with determination; and the second is our ability to identify and mobilize resources needed to remedy the problem. Oftentimes our determination is diminished when we are lacking resources and in that event we settle for “Plan B”. Nobody wants “Plan B”, simply because it is almost always temporary, but sometimes the only option.

As you may know, I have dedicated almost 45 years to helping those who are in need. It has been both a unique opportunity and challenge. Over the years, I have relied on the support, dedication and compassion of our elected and appointed delegation of Officials to advocate for resources and I would like area residents to fully understand the extraordinary people that represent us here in Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. I also extend that recognition to our past representatives as well, but especially want to acknowledge the extraordinary leadership and support from our Legislative Delegation led by Speaker Robert DeLeo, Representative RoseLee Vincent, Representative Dan Ryan and Senator Sal DiDomenico and Senator Joe Boncore. These officials understand the plight our most vulnerable residents face each day and they dedicate themselves to addressing those needs through appropriating resources that we in the field need in order to accomplish this critical and oftentimes lifesaving work. I want to also recognize the Legislative Staff members that serve on the front lines for these elected Officials. It is through their direct contact with the public that we accomplish our work as a team.

So my friends, as we enter this New Year, I trust that our resolve to help those in need remains strong and our ability to make positive change is effective for those who hope for a better tomorrow.

Bob Repucci

Ex. Director CAPIC

 

 

NALOXONE CAN SAVE LIVES

Dear Editor:

The use of Naloxone can save a life.  Naloxone, also known as Narcan is an opioid antagonist used in opioid overdoses to counteract the life-threatening depression of the respiratory system. It allows an overdose victim to breathe normally.

Although traditionally administered by emergency response personnel, naloxone can be administered by lay people or public, making it ideal for treating heroin and other opioids overdoses. The training is simple and use of Naloxone results in a life saved.

Here is what occurs in an opioid overdose. When too much of any opioid, like heroin goes into too many receptors, the respiratory system slows and the person breathes more slowly, then not at all.  Because Naloxone basically knocks the opioids out of the opiate receptors in the brain, the overdose is reversed and the person is able to breathe again.

However, it is a temporary drug that will wear off in 30-90 minutes and the person should be watched for signs of continued overdose. The overdose victim must seek medical assistance or call 911.

Lack of oxygen from opioid overdose may lead to brain injury in as little as 4 minutes, yet the average EMS response time is 9.4 minutes. Seconds can count during an opioid overdose so it is vital if you have a loved one or friends who use, you need to have a plan in place. Most life threatening opioid emergencies occur in the home, witnessed by friends or family.

Brand names of Naloxone are Evzio, Narcan injection, Narcan Nasal Spray.  They all come with simple, lifesaving directions and are easy to administer. Upon purchase, read and know how to use these devices and keep them readily available.

Some states have a third-party law where a concerned parent, employee or

nurse at a school can obtain Naloxone and administer it without facing legal repercussions (known as the good Samaritan act).  If you come in contact with a high-risk individual, you should have this lifesaving overdose antidote.

For more information and the availability of naloxone, go to  http://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/naloxone-availability.html .  If you are in need of a referral to a treatment center, call us at 1- 800-431-1754.

 Ray Clauson

 

LET’S GO HIGH DEMOCRATS

Dear Editor,

Many Democrats, myself included, across the country are disappointed in the result of November’s election. Many supporters of Hillary Clinton are weighing the options of how to deal with a Trump presidency. Should we work with the president-elect in hopes that he will embrace part of our platform or should we wholly withhold our support in hopes that none of his agenda gets embraced? I will argue for the latter for the benefit of our party and our country.

When President Obama was ushered into office in 2008, Republicans in Washington D.C. made it clear that they would not chose this path. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Minority Leader, plainly stated his party’s strategy on the floor of the Senate saying that his top priority was not the betterment of the country but the removal of President Obama from office. While this tactic clearly benefitted them politically in the short-term, it was to the detriment of the country and their reputation long term. It was wrong when they did it in 2009 and it would be wrong for us to do it now.

I am not advocating for Democrats to rubber stamp President-elect’s platform. As a party, we need to fight for our values despite our no longer being in charge. We can not take the next four years off and hope to elect a Democrat in 2020. The issues we face are too important to take a vacation. I hope that Democrats will find areas within legislation that they can improve. This of course requires that the President and his party to also seek areas of compromise.

In a rare instance this past session in Congress, Democrats and Republicans came together in opposition to the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Free trade as a principle is something that the President-elect also seems opposed to. I would be disappointed if the votes in Congress changed merely because of the party proposing the idea. Trade agreements seem like an area where at least fractions of both parties agree need to be changed and could be an area of progress for the country.

Speaker Tip O’Neill and President Reagan bridged their differences for the good of the country in the 80’s. Both parties worked in good faith to improve policy. O’Neill didn’t simply roll over when his ideology clashed with Reagan’s either. He was a fierce advocate for the Democratic platform even though he didn’t hold all the cards. O’Neill’s attention to detail forced Reagan to be meticulous in his actions. The country was better for it.

Republicans acted beyond childish over the past eight years starting with McConnell’s declaration that he was putting politics above people in 2009 and ending with their refusal to even hold a hearing for Obama’s remarkably qualified Supreme Court nominee in 2016. The natural response would be to give the Republicans what they have coming to them and give them the same deference they gave us. That pathway helps nobody.

In Michelle Obama’s excellent speech to the DNC this summer her most memorable line was “When they go low, we go high.” The party would benefit from taking the high road and resisting the urge to give the Republicans what they have coming to them. Taking the high road will benefit our country and our party. We need to move past the politics that have put our government in a state of paralysis. This will start with a minority party that puts people ahead of politics.

Lets go high Democrats.

Peter Christopher,

Member

Democratic State

Committee