Massachusetts now has the lowest incarcerated population in the US & crime is down. People are less likely to reoffend when they are provided services like treatment & education. 20% of people who didn't receive those services re-offended, versus 7.8% rate for those who did.

Overdose prevention centers prevent lethal overdoses, reduce infections and illness, and increase access to treatment.

John F. Keenan visited six of these life-saving facilities to see for himself. Here's what he found⬇️
bostonglobe.com/2024/02/05/opi…

I’m grateful to Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 & Boston Public Health Commission for creating a fund for the loved ones of fatal OD’s. Elsa Gomes Bondlow & I wrote an op-ed last spring calling for public & private entities to prioritize this, as it’s something we’ve helped many families with. More cities & states now!

Today I took a break from making a documentary about substance use disorder to be in one. I’m grateful for Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center for Addiction for interviewing me about my experience.

“The case is the most significant legal challenge to the rights of homeless people in decades, and how the Court rules in a decision expected later this year will shape how cities respond to tent encampments.” vox.com/scotus/2024/1/…

The Curse finale 🌎

The Curse is the best and most unhinged shows I’ve seen in a long time - stick with it through the cringe. The finale was one of the best TV episodes that I’ve ever seen in my life.

In 2023, I became a filmmaker and professionally merged two of my favorite things: storytelling and working with people experiencing homelessness/substance use disorder. I’m very excited to continue this journey in 2024.

Jail doesn't prevent or treat drug use; criminal records & jail time actually make recovery LESS likely. great piece by Morgan Godvin marijuanamoment.net/recriminalizin…

What could go wrong here? 😬

Tough talk from a city that is literally too scared to let anyone park overnight anywhere, on any street.

So great to see Judge Harris, the judge who helped save me when I was a teenager, interviewed on HBO’s “Murder in Boston” documentary. As always, he was on the right side of justice.

We have seen decade after decade this doesn’t work, it only drives further variability in the drug supply, increasing the risk of unknown harms to the consumer. What the Floor should be voting on is measures r/t OPC and safe supply if we actually want to decrease harm.

I’ve learned working with post overdose programs that the majority of PWUD they encounter do NOT access harm reduction services. Due to criminalization/stigma it is unsafe for most folks to access publicly visible sites - fear of police, employers, or family seeing them

Men: “Women are too emotional for elected office.”

Men:

Thank you District 6 voters for your overwhelming support.  I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve and represent you to help make Boston a city that works for all of our residents.

Excited to vote for Ben Weber for District 6 City Councilor today.

City of Boston Public Works just ran a flusher truck through site of the former Atkinson St encampment. The final dozen tents were taken down before 3pm.