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Emotional Baker Signs Law To Combat Opioid Abuse

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Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker becomes emotional as he speaks after signing sweeping legislation aimed at reversing a deadly opioid addiction crisis, during a signing ceremony at the Statehouse Monday. (Elise Amendola/AP)
Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker becomes emotional as he speaks after signing sweeping legislation aimed at reversing a deadly opioid addiction crisis, during a signing ceremony at the Statehouse Monday. (Elise Amendola/AP)

It was an emotional morning on Beacon Hill, as Gov. Charlie Baker signed a new bill aimed at combating opioid addiction. He became choked up recounting letters he received from students at North Shore Recovery High School, "in which they shared heartbreaking — heartbreaking — stories of addiction and loss, and how that school has served as an incredible support system for them."

"I want to thank you all for sharing your stories," Baker said as he tried to compose himself. "May today's bill passage signal to you that the Commonwealth is listening and we will keep fighting for all of you."

Guest

Charlie Baker, governor of Massachusetts. He tweets @MassGovernor.

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CommonHealth: Baker Signs Compromise Opioid Bill Into Law

  • "The bill includes a seven-day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions, new efforts to evaluate patients within 24 hours after an overdose and addiction screening for middle and high school students."

Learning Lab: For High Schoolers Struggling With Addiction, It’s A Bumpy Road To Recovery

  • "Classes are small — usually no more than 15 students — and the school is open year round. Students can start at any time of year. Once there, they develop an individual recovery plan with the school’s licensed substance abuse counselor and submit to random weekly drug testing."

This segment aired on March 14, 2016.

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