While Mayor Setti Warren was campaigning for Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire this weekend, here’s what his candidate had to say in this weekend’s debate about combating the heroin/opiod epidemic
Police officers must be equipped with the antidote to a heroin overdose or an opioid overdose, known as Narcan. They should be able to administer it. So should firefighters and others.
…and here’s the editorial from last week’s Newton TAB which says “it’s ludicrous — even infuriating” that Newton’s police and firefighers are not carrying Narcan.
Thank you for keeping a spotlight on this urgent issue Greg. Indeed I noticed Secretary Clinton make that point during the debate as well.
I can’t understand why we don’t understand why this is bogged down in Newton. Has anyone asked the Mayor or the union officials what still needs to happen to prevent lives from being lost?
It’s almost two YEARS since this issue was first discussed here on Village14,
@Jeffrey,
I have been saying this all along. In previous threads on this issue, a lot of fingers have been pointed at the unions suggesting that they are the reason behind the stalemate. This may well be true, or it may not. It seems that nobody has bother to really ask the Mayor or the unions what the problem is. All we have seem is articles in the Tab or threads here on V14 taking about the fact Narcan is not being used by first responders in Newton but no real investigating as to why. The lack of information leads to nothing but irresponsible speculation.
@Jeffrey Pontiff @theWholeTruth
Apparently not. please make the call and let us know
@MayorWarren: If getting the job done in regard to acquiring Narcan is something that can be accomplished through leadership effort, please do us a favor and put your city before politics. If that’s otherwise not the case, all we ask for is a clear and honest explanation as to why.
Jonathan Dame asked but didn’t get an answer from the mayor just an ambiguous quotation. We need someone to ask who can get answers.
I asked the mayor’s office for an update on this earlier this month. We received a statement via email from Dori Zaleznik, the mayor’s Chief Administrative Officer. I posted her response here on Jan. 8.
I’m not saying this answers the questions that have been raised here or gives us any reason to be optimistic. I’m just pointing it out.
This seems to be a no-brainer. I am sure that both sides of the negotiations support carrying narcan, it’s just a question of how much. If so, they should atleast equip the first responders with the side that supports the minimum amount and then bargain for the rest.
I am shocked that this is even an issue eligible to be negotiated.
@Emily,
Why are you shocked? This issue of Narcan or any other additional duty could easily be considered as a change in working conditions. That means there has to be negotiations. When it comes to unions, it’s never as simple as just telling them to do something, even if it’s in the best interest of the public. I think the Unions and the City have legitimate concerns about first responders carrying and administering Narcan. The question that is not clear to all of us is what are those concerns and how do we solve them. It would seem simple enough as so many other communities have managed to get it done quickly. As a elected official with the City, why can’t you ask the Mayor or the Union reps yourself?
TWT – Negotiations are not open to the public. The last thing we need is elected officials meddling in the negotiations that may very well be at a critical point where a resolution may be near at hand. But I have to say, it’s good to hear that someone’s concerned that this be done properly.
Assigning blame or fault is besides the point here. What’s important is that we take steps to immediately train and equip our first responders with this proven life saving medicine.
I thought both sides agreed to arbitration?
The firefighters and city reached an agreement today about Narcan use. Read here.
@Jane,
Nobody asked anyone to meddle in contract negotiations. All I’ve said all along is has anyone asked the Unions or the City what the problem/issues are? Facts are far better than speculation and finger pointing. As Tom Lopez said in his statement, everyone assumed that the issue was money. He says it wasn’t. He gave an interesting statement on the position of the Union and many people have reacted to his comments. This is the first time we have seen or heard any concrete explanation as to what the issue was. We may or may not agree with the Union’s position on this but at least now we know what it is. No meddling needed, just simple questions.