To the Editor:
Many from our community are expressing grave concern over the steady and horrific flow of overdose-related deaths here on the Island since the beginning of the year. It certainly did not begin in January, but it is likely we have lost at least one person a week in 2016 to this epidemic. The word on the street is, this problem is far from over, and many, many more lives will be lost.
The Dukes County Commission is supporting efforts to conduct a series of community forums to “tell it like it is” and shift efforts into high gear to bring more immediacy to developing critical steps toward saving lives. Something I hear over and over from those who have lost someone is that we desperately need a treatment center here on the Island, a place for individuals to receive immediate and followup treatment.
I am encouraged as I feel a groundswell of activism coming from those so deeply affected by this scourge. Our community is coming together in pain, fear, sorrow, despair, and frustration from what is happening. There is also a sense of hope, determination, and conviction that is fueling the fire of many.
I encourage you to please step up and become a part of the solution. This is an extremely complicated public health issue that will eventually touch all of our lives.
On Friday, May 13, Billy Pfaff from “Heroin Is Killing My Town” will speak about this issue from 2:15 to 3:15 pm in the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School library. Later that evening, he will speak at the Oak Bluffs School from 6:30 to 8 pm. Representatives from Spectrum Health Systems, which specializes in substance abuse matters, will also be present. Both events are open to the public, although the evening event is for those 18 or older.
The goal of these events is to shine the spotlight on this growing epidemic, and to raise awareness of the reality of our troubling condition here on Martha’s Vineyard.
Through the coordinated efforts of our Island community, we hope to follow up with further informational forums that will result in a strategic plan to help us save lives. Hope to see you there.
Christine Todd
Oak Bluffs
Ms. Todd is chairman of the Dukes County Commission.
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