Gov. Baker pledges to aid 'relentless' battle against opioid addiction

BOSTON — A new organization has set out to raise tens of millions of dollars to fight the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts.

While it's a massive undertaking, the group has some powerful advocates in government and in business to tackle the issue.

At a meeting Tuesday, Governor Charlie Baker called the problem a monster that must be taken down and he said its roots lie in pain management.

“Four out of five heroin users started on pain medication,” Baker said. “We represent 5 percent of the world’s problems, and consume 80 percent of the world’s opioids.”

For some, use turns to addiction and addressing that addiction is the mission of RIZE, an organization that plans to raise $50 million in three years to fund innovative treatment programs.

Companies like General Electric and others have already pledged $13 million of the total goal, but money isn't the only concern.

“Creating a climate for treatment is part of this issue as well,” Baker said.

Both men say addiction should be seen as a medical condition and not a moral failing.

“Stigma is a huge obstacle to overcome,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. “The stigma of addiction is hard."

That contributes to isolation and shame -- obstacles to getting treatment.

In Massachusetts, deaths are up. According to the State House News Service, more than 1,400 people died in 2016 from opioid overdoses.

Governor Baker says the state needs to tackle the issue head-on.

“This is a relentless foe. Relentless. If we aren't willing to be relentless in response to what we're up against, our chances for success will be significantly diminished,” Gov. baker said. “Now the good news on this is that I do believe we can and will be relentless."

Cox Media Group