August 24, 2017

Senator Warren Releases Findings of Innovative Survey of Massachusetts Addiction Treatment Providers, Pledges Support for Opioid Epidemic Response Efforts

Warren to Discuss Survey Results with Massachusetts Providers at Plymouth's High Point Treatment Center on Thursday

Full report detailing survey findings available here (PDF)

Washington, DC - Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today released the findings of the survey she launched in March of organizations across Massachusetts providing dedicated  treatment services for patients struggling with addiction. In a report, the senator analyzed the responses of more than 50 addiction treatment and recovery service providers in the Commonwealth, highlighting the role of these organizations in combatting the ongoing opioid epidemic. The report also detailed the challenges many of the providers face in providing essential services.

The report, based on the survey results, found that (1) Massachusetts facilities are able to provide high quality care made possible by high rates of insurance coverage; (2) these facilities continue to face challenges with long waiting times, providing referral services, and behavioral health coverage parity; and (3) grants and support from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Justice provide critical support for efforts to address the opioid epidemic.

"The opioid epidemic is an ongoing crisis, and it demands an all-hands-on-deck response.  Addiction treatment centers and community health centers are on the front lines of this fight, and this survey helps us better understand the important work they do," Senator Warren said. "I'm doing everything I can in Washington to make sure people struggling with addiction get the care they need, and I am committed to helping the medical professionals, community organizations, and state and local officials who are responding to this public health crisis."

Senator Warren will discuss the results of the survey with representatives from addiction treatment centers and behavioral health providers throughout Massachusetts during a visit to High Point Treatment Center in Plymouth on Thursday afternoon.

Read a PDF copy of the report detailing the survey's findings here.

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