MOAR's mission is to organize recovering individuals, families, and friends into a collective voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions
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Ban alcohol advertisements on MBTA property!
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On November 20, 2017, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board
voted to allow alcohol advertising on some of its train stations and bus shelters. This decision will benefit the pockets of Big Alcohol and advertising firms while posing harm to youth.
Public health researchers have found that the more youth see alcohol ads, the more likely they are to participate in
underage drinking. Research demonstrates that underage drinking has led to unplanned, unwanted or unprotected sex, accidental injuries and eventually alcohol dependence. It is important to note that underage drinking cost Massachusetts residents $1.2 billion in 2013,
far more than what the MBTA hopes to make from opening its property to alcohol ads.
The MBTA has a
history of exposing low-income youth to a greater number of alcohol advertisements than their wealthier peers. The MBTA claims that it will limit the placement of alcohol ads to spaces and times that receive less youth traffic. These restrictions will not lessen teen exposure. These ads will likely place an unfair burden on youth who are not engaged in school nor work, and already face an increased risk of negative health outcomes.
The harm posed by alcohol advertising is so consequential that in 2012, prevention advocates across Massachusetts were successful in influencing the MBTA to adopt a policy that prohibits alcohol advertising on MBTA property. This ban allowed the state to provide a healthier environment for youth who rely upon public transportation to get to and from school and other activities for five years. In October of 2017, the New York City transportation authority voted to
ban alcohol advertising, following in the steps of the MBTA.
The MBTA Board may have recently voted to reverse the alcohol ad ban, but we can organize to get it reinstated!
If you care about the environment in which Massachusetts youth live, work and play, please sign this petition. Numerous signatures will demonstrate to the MBTA Board that many people care about this issue AND will strongly advocate to reinstate the ban in 2018.
Organizations are asked to please sign on to
this resolution
supporting the alcohol ad ban.
Thank you to our friends at the Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force for organizing this effort. Questions? Call 617-789-2140 or email alexis.walls@steward.org
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Recap of MOAR's 2018 Boston Public Policy Forum
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Mario Chaparro started our program with his incredible story of hope and the power of Recovery!
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Long-time friend of MOAR Representative Elizabeth Malia spoke about some ground breaking policies to combat opioid addiction included in the CARE Act. Scroll down for more information.
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Allison Bauer the Director of our Department of Public Health - Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, spoke on the importance of prevention and some key initiatives happening in this arena.
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Also from DPH-BSAS Recovery Services Manager Julia Ojeda shared information on the many exciting things happening with Recovery Coaching in Massachusetts.
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Judiciary Committee Chair Senator William Brownsberger spoke on major
criminal justice reform efforts happening on Beacon Hill.
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Representative Adrian Madaro from East Boston speaking on local coalition work that is yielding results in his neighborhood.
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Rita Nieves BPHC Assistant Director and Jen Tracey (Right) Mayor's Office of Recovery Services Director
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Desean Duncan from STEPRox Recovery Center, sharing how recovery center involvement helped him. Thank you Deseacn for SOARing!
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Alexis Walls and Helen Connolly from the Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force
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Prentice Crowell from the Safe and Sound Recovery Center, proudly sharing the newsletter put together by members. We think their needs to be 5 more recovery centers in our state. Don’t you! Safe and Sound participated in The SOAR Network Presentation!
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MOAR's Executive Director, Maryanne Frangules
set the stage for MOAR Action for Recovery!
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MOAR's Administrative Assistant Renic Franklin (left) with Recovery Coach Darrell Wright (right).
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MOAR Thanks to All of our Speakers, Sponsors, and Participants for a Fantastic Forum
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Gov. Baker Introduces CARE Act to Combat Opioid Epidemic
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"An Act Relative to
Combating Addiction,
Accessing Treatment,
Reducing Prescriptions, and
Enhancing Prevention"
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In 2015, Governor Charlie Baker created The MA Opioid Addiction Working Group to address the ongoing addiction epidemic that killed over 2,000 MA residents last year. Based on The Working Group recommendations Gov. Baker recently introduced "An Act Relative to Combating Addiction, Accessing Treatment, Reducing Prescriptions, and Enhancing Prevention" or CARE Act. This legislative proposal would expand provisions of the 2015 opioid-focused legislation called the STEP Act. It includes tighter controls on prescription drugs, improved treatment access, enhanced recovery coach roles, increased access to life-saving Narcan, and more youth prevention programs.
MOAR Members voices count! Our job is to provide a way for the recovery community to learn what is happening and be part of the action. Your voice helps MOAR form an educated response to policy’s affecting the recovery community. We applaud Governor Baker for developing The CARE Act. Some provisions of the CARE Act may or may not be controversial including potential changes to the state's involuntary commitment laws, establishing best-practices for treatment providers, and setting up a committee to study licensing of recovery coaches. As people who live and work in the treatment and recovery communities, these provisions could have a direct effect on you and your organizations. MOAR has been conducting a policy survey on the provisions of the CARE Act and sharing your feedback with policymakers. Your voice matters MOAR!
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MOAR and Partners Educate All about The Value of Recovery Centers, ATR/STR, and Diversion Programs.
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The Massachusetts Coalition for Addiction Services (MCAS) is a group of advocacy organizations that have come together to speak with one voice to strengthen support for addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support services and increased access to services for people with substance use disorders. The top priority is support for 5 new Recovery Centers. MCAS will continue to seek expanded capacity needed to sustain the successful Access to Recovery/State Targeted Response program. MCAS is asking the state for new diversion programs so that more people involved with the criminal justice system get a chance at treatment and recovery rather than jail.
MOAR will keep you updated as the season progresses including opportunities to educate your policymakers.
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