Massachusetts School Nurse Organization Voices Support for the Opioid Abuse Prevention Legislation
Boston, MA (PRWEB) March 19, 2016 -- The Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO) issued a statement today strongly in support of the Opioid Abuse Prevention Bill, H.4056, that was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker. The non-medical use of prescription opioids among adolescents has been a growing health concern over the last decade. This important law will facilitate policy development and prevention strategies in schools, including implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
School nurses, in collaboration with other licensed support staff, will raise awareness and increase knowledge about the impact of the opioid drug epidemic. SBIRT is an evidence-based public health prevention model that a number of school districts across the Commonwealth have successfully implemented. Passing the Opioid Abuse Prevention Bill will increase the use of this screening tool in order to prevent drug use, and aid in early identification and treatment for students in need. MSNO President Carilyn Rains stated, “The legislation signed into law this week will save students’ lives, and the Massachusetts school nurses look forward to working with the state and local communities to ensure that students stay healthy and safe."
The Massachusetts School Nurse Organization represents nearly 1,000 school nurses across the commonwealth. The organization’s mission is to promote and advance quality school health services throughout the Commonwealth and promote the rights, interests and professional growth of our members.
Carilyn Rains, BSN, RN, M Ed., Massachusetts School Nurse Organization, http://www.msno.org/, +1 6178602554, [email protected]
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