Mayor's office coordinates opioid crisis response with new policing strategy

The Boston Public Health Commission is ramping up its efforts to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, as discussed in a recent Ways & Means meeting. Key objectives include a coordinated response involving the mayor's office and local police, aimed at eliminating outdoor drug use in the city.

Since March, the Commission has implemented a co-response strategy with the Boston Police Department, focusing on collaborative efforts to address the complexities of the crisis. The mayor has set a clear goal: to eradicate congregate outdoor drug use, which serves as a primary metric for measuring progress.

Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, particularly in maintaining low-threshold housing options for those in need. The Commission has faced difficulties in retaining these housing sites due to high costs and a lack of alignment with state policies, which are shifting towards permanent supportive housing models.

As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the emphasis remains on public health initiatives and the importance of collaboration among various city entities. The outcomes of these efforts will be closely monitored as Boston strives to make significant strides in addressing the opioid epidemic.