For a copy of the report contact Susan Sered: ssered@suffolk.edu

In 2018 I conducted research in Weymouth, Massachusetts, a town hit hard by the current opioid crisis. In recent years the rate of opioid-related deaths in Weymouth has been nearly three times higher than in the neighboring South Shore town of Braintree. The rate of enrollment in Bureau of Substance Abuse Services treatment programs has been four times higher for Weymouth residents than residents of the adjacent town of Hingham. And recent rates of opioid-related hospital discharges have been ten times higher among Weymouth residents than among residents of the Boston suburb of Brookline.

Looking to the unique expertise of people who live and work in the community, the research elicited how Weymouth residents account for the prevalence of opioid abuse in their town.  Over 65 in-depth interviews were conducted with young adults, older residents, teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, law enforcement officials, drug treatment personnel, health care providers, local business owners, community activists, religious leaders, town officials, people who grew up in Weymouth, people who moved to Weymouth as adults and people who recently left Weymouth, bereaved parents, and former opioid users who live or work (and often both) in Weymouth.

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Residents offered recommendations that build on Weymouth’s strengths. These recommendations include creating opportunities for young adults to engage in structured activities and programs, expanding the high school’s career tracks, developing new public meeting spaces, and improving access to existing public spaces.

For a copy of the report contact Susan Sered: ssered@suffolk.edu