At approximately 8:20 p.m., troopers from the State Police – Milton Barracks received reports of a mattress in the roadway and a vehicle off the road, on Route 24 Northbound, just north of Exit 20 in Randolph.

Troopers responded and removed a mattress from the highway. They subsequently found a sedan that had gone off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, and only occupant, was determined to be deceased on scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver is a male, estimated to be in his mid-30’s. Identification is still being made at this time. Information on identification will be released tomorrow once next-of-kin are notified.

This is still an active scene, crash investigation and reconstruction are ongoing. It is unclear at this time, if the mattress on the roadway was a contributing factor to the crash.

There are no lane closures as of now. The crash is not impacting traffic.

The remaining facts and circumstances remain under investigation by troopers assigned to the State Police Milton Barracks, Troop H Headquarters, State Police Detective Unit assigned to Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, State Police Crime Scene Services Section (CSSS), State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section (CARS), Randolph Fire & EMS Departments, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MA DOT) all assisted on scene.

No further information is currently available. Please do not contact the barracks directly.

“Has anyone seen Jane Andrade?

She has been missing for the past 30 hours and her car and her phone were located at Horseneck Beach without her. They have stopped the helicopter search, but have continued the boat search using sonar.

She is the sweetest, most loving person, who would do anything for anyone!!! Very sad and unfortunately, Jane suffers and has been battling with depression and mental illness, seriously, almost one year to the day.

If you happen to see her, please contact the Massachusetts State Police Department or me (508-828-8739).

Please share this and get the word out! Thank you!”

Photo by Reed Andrade.

The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.) has partnered with 11 Massachusetts police departments to utilize fentanyl test strips as a new tool to engage people with opioid use disorder and help prevent overdose deaths.

The three-month pilot project, made possible by a $150,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, launched this week and will continue through June. Through this project, police departments and their community partner agencies will distribute Fentanyl Test Strip Kits as an engagement tool for individuals at risk of opioid overdose.

In 2019, there were over 2,000 overdose deaths in Massachusetts, 93% of which involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is over 50 times more potent than heroin. Rapid fentanyl test strips are used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs, informing people about the increased risk of overdose and death. The test strips offer an additional layer of protection against fatal overdoses by informing users of the presence of potentially lethal fentanyl, though it is important to note that all illicit drugs are dangerous and could potentially contain fentanyl, and false negatives are possible. Ultimately, the kits are meant to inform and protect the health of people who use drugs, often leading them to change their use and behavior.

Through this pilot project, Fentanyl Test Strip Kits will be distributed by the participating police departments and their partners, such as recovery coaches, to develop trust and build relationships with community members struggling with substance use disorders. This engagement tool may help to save lives and foster a person’s readiness for a referral to treatment and long-term recovery.

A total of 11 police departments applied and have been selected for participation in the project:

• Beverly Police Department
• Chicopee Police Department
• Edgartown Police Department
• Holyoke Police Department
• Ipswich Police Department
• Lynn Police Department
• Methuen Police Department
• New Bedford Police Department
• Taunton Police Department
• Whitman Police Department
• Winthrop Police Department

The 11 participating departments were trained on the program on March 27 and began distributing the kits this week.

The Fentanyl Strip Test Kits contain three fentanyl test strips, a brochure on how to use the test strips, a COVID-19 safety handout, a card on how to obtain nasal naloxone (NARCAN), a card on the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline and a card on how to contact a P.A.A.R.I. recovery coach. Departments will hand out the Fentanyl Test Strip Kits as a supplement to their standard opioid related outreach handouts, which often includes NARCAN.

“As public servants, our police officers are tasked with protecting and serving all members of our community. P.A.A.R.I. just increased our ability to do that by building upon what is usually found in outreach kits,” said Winthrop Police Sgt. Sarko Gergerian. “When you share one of these new kits, you are sharing much more than just test strips. You are sharing a powerful message. A message that there is always hope even during what may seem to be the darkest of times.”

“The Whitman Police Department is committed to partnering with resources such as P.A.A.R.I. in order to help those suffering from substance use disorders onto the path to recovery,” Whitman Police Chief Timothy Hanlon said. “The Fentanyl Test Strip Pilot allows us another opportunity to offer treatment options outside of the confinements of traditional law enforcement activities.”

“The Edgartown Police Department is excited to be playing a role in this bold new approach to combating addiction and preventing overdose deaths. For those in our community who are suffering, it is our sincere hope that this initiative will play a real role in their recovery,” said Bruce McNamee, Chief of Police, Edgartown Police Department.

“Our law enforcement partners continue to serve on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and we are hopeful that this will provide them with a new tool in their toolkit to assist with access to treatment and lifesaving services,” said Executive Director Allie Hunter. “We are encouraged by the dedication of the departments that are participating in this pilot project and we look forward to seeing the impact it may have.”

P.A.A.R.I. will provide training and technical assistance throughout the pilot project and will work with the selected police departments to determine the pathways, programs and partners in the respective community to help carry out the distribution of fentanyl test strips. P.A.A.R.I. has also worked with community partners and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to design and create educational training materials to assist in implementing the pilot program, including roll call training videos.

P.A.A.R.I. is also providing technical assistance, support and materials for departments to implement this project amid COVID-19 as all departments have adjusted their public engagement procedures to adhere to public health and safety advisories.

“People with substance use disorders are even more vulnerable and face more barriers to treatment amid COVID-19,” P.A.A.R.I. Project Manager Vanessa Lopes-McCoy said. “This work is more important than ever, and we are so grateful to the 11 police departments and all of our project partners for collaborating with us on this pilot project during this challenging time.”

The Beverly, Chicopee, Lynn, Methuen, New Bedford and Taunton Police Departments have been selected to participate in a more extensive evaluation to assess all aspects and outcomes of the project. Brandeis University will serve as the project’s evaluation partner with Traci Green, PhD, MSc, Professor and Director of the Opioid Policy Research Collaborative serving as the principal investigator. At the conclusion of the pilot project, P.A.A.R.I. will hold a convening to share the project’s results and findings.

“Harm reduction services like fentanyl test strip distribution are essential to keeping people who use drugs safe, and there’s never a more important time than now to emphasize that message. Together with my colleagues from Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, we are excited to evaluate the fentanyl test strip pilot program among police departments and community programs,” Green said.

“We are thankful to P.A.A.R.I. and Brandeis University for their partnership,” said Deirdre Calvert, Director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “We continue to make sure our most vulnerable constituents have access to these life-saving tools.”

“I am optimistic that the Fentanyl Test Strip Kits will have a similar success in saving lives as we have experienced with Naloxone. I am grateful for P.A.A.R.I.’s progressive thinking in implementing such an innovative strategy,“ said New Bedford Chief of Police Joseph Cordeiro.

“P.A.A.R.I. is extremely grateful and proud to be selected for this innovative pilot project by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Providing our law enforcement partners with fentanyl test strips will absolutely save the lives of people unknowingly using deadly fentanyl instead of the substance they think they’re using. I applaud the Governor, Legislature, DPH and our frontline police departments for embracing this life-saving initiative,” said P.A.A.R.I. Co-Founder and Board Chair John Rosenthal.

By Michael Rocha, MD

New Bedford, Massachusetts – In a well-meaning effort to fight COVID-19, there is a lot of information and even more opinion circulating about the use and effectiveness of various masks. The controversies can be confusing. Guidelines have wavered and different countries have adopted a spectrum of approaches.

As a part of their national strategies, some countries have encouraged widespread use of masks, both in healthcare and for the public. Notably, there was widespread mask usage by the US public during the 1918 flu pandemic. On April 3, 2020, the CDC made the recommendation to wear “cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” (CDC.gov)

There are two types of masks commonly used by healthcare professionals: N-95 masks and surgical masks. The indication for when each is used often depends on whether the virus may be in aerosolized form or droplet form. An aerosolized virus is suspended in the air like a gas or fog and may be present for three hours in some settings. This is often much more transmissible and is the greater threat to healthcare professionals. A droplet virus particle is a relatively heavy particle that falls to the ground or any surface by gravity, usually within 6 feet.

N-95 masks are among a class of masks that are named based upon how many particles are filtered. A N-95 mask can filter 95% of particles in the air and must be professionally fit-tested to ensure a complete, proper seal. They are widely used for diseases such as tuberculosis. Currently, they are being used in situations when there is extremely close contact such as when a breathing tube is placed.

N-95 masks were made to be used once and discarded. In the current pandemic, healthcare workers are often given a single N-95 mask to last a day or more and may be reused. It’s unclear if the masks retain their effectiveness after a few hours. Production of N-95 masks is being increased but is limited by lack of materials. There are not nearly enough N-95 masks currently available to keep every healthcare professional adequately protected. EVERY available N-95 mask should be in the hands of healthcare professionals.

Surgical masks are made of moisture-resistant inner- and outer layers with an inner filter. They are used in hospital situations where the risk of aerosolized virus particles is low. Surgical masks are not airtight but when worn correctly, provide protection. They are currently being used by hospital personnel in situations where aerosolized virus is not a concern. Supply is not unlimited and this is playing a role in the conflicting recommendations by various health and governing bodies. Like N95 masks, surgical masks should be saved for use by healthcare workers.

There is another type of mask that you likely see frequently: cloth masks. These masks are not hospital-grade but are being used by healthcare professionals when N-95 and surgical masks are not available. Some healthcare professionals are using cloth masks over N-95 masks to extend their potential life-span. These are the masks that are now recommended for the general public to use.

There are limitations to use of cloth masks but they may have a critical role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. A cloth mask itself will not prevent the person wearing it from contracting COVID-19. Its ability to filter air particles is at best 50% and unlike N-95 masks, it does not have a tight seal around the mouth and nose. If it is not taken off properly, there is a risk of contaminating oneself and any surface it touches.

One purpose of a cloth mask is to prevent the person wearing it from spreading COVID-19. The cloth mask prevents secretions from spreading by essentially collecting them on the fabric. They may also help remind people to avoid touching their face. If every person wore one when in public, it could help prevent asymptomatic people from spreading the virus.

In countries that encourage universal mask usage by the public, there appears to be a slower spread of the virus which is critical to preventing our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Wearing a mask reduces the transmission of the virus from one person to another. It’s crucial though that people wearing a mask avoid a potential false sense of security. The role of a cloth mask is in conjunction with, not in place of, social distancing and good hand hygiene.

If you do wear a mask, please learn to use it properly to ensure safety and effectiveness. Before putting it on, wash your hands and make sure the mask is clean. Determine the orientation of the mask (which side is inside/outside and which edge is close to the nose). Marking this with a pen is a good idea if you plan on removing and reusing it through the day before washing it. If the mask gets moist or wet, it may not be as effective and it may breed germs.

If any obvious contaminants or droplets land on the mask, remove and do not reuse until it is washed. Avoid readjusting the mask after exposure, but if you must, use washed hands to do so and wash your hands after you adjust the mask. Do not readjust your mask with unwashed hands. Have a high index of suspicion that the straps or loops of the mask may be contaminated.

If you store an unwashed mask in a paper bag or container you can contaminate the inside of the mask if you orient it in alternating positions. Assume the outside of the mask is contaminated and treat surfaces that it may touch as contaminated. Wash the mask often and after every use, as regular laundry soap deactivates the virus. It’s best to have at least two masks so that if one becomes moist or soiled, another is available while the first is washed. Know the limitations of the material of the DIY mask.

If you decide to use a mask, please save ALL N-95 and surgical masks for our healthcare professionals and first responders. They have the greatest exposure and it appears that healthcare professionals who contract COVID-19 may have a more severe case. We MUST protect our protectors.

The CDC has now recommended cloth masks for all when going out in public for essential needs. This will now be an important part of our efforts along with social distancing and hand washing to do our job and beat this virus.

#Masks4All #SaveN95SurgicalMasks4Healthcare

_____________________________________________________________________

Authors:

• Michael, Rocha, MD, Cardiology, Hawthorn Medical Associates, LLC
• Bonnie Boerl, MD, Internal Medicine, Communication & Advocacy Consultant
• Mi Haisman, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, Hawthorn Medical Associates, LLC

Contributors:
• Tanya Feke, MD, Family Medicine, Diagnosis Life, LLC

References:

Journal articles:

• Bourouiba, L. Turbulent Gas Clouds and Respiratory Pathogen Emissions
Potential Implications for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19. JAMA. 2020 Mar 26. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.4756

• Davies A , Thompson KA, Karthika Giri, et al. Testing the Efficacy of Homemade Masks: Would They Protect in an Influenza Pandemic. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 2013 Aug;7(4):413-418. doi:10.1017/dmp.2013.43

• Doremalen N, Morris DM, Holbrook MJl. Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1. N Eng J Med. 2020 Mar 17. doi: 10.1056/NEJMc200493

• Feng S1, Shen C2, Xia N et al. Rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet Respir Med. 2020 Mar 20. pii: S2213-2600(20)30134-X. doi:
10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30134-X. [Epub ahead of print]

• MacIntyre CR, Seale H, Dung TC, et al A cluster randomised trial of cloth masks compared with medical masks in healthcare workers BMJ Open 2015;5:e006577. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006577

• van der Sande M, Teunis P, Sabel R. Professional and home-made face masks reduce exposure to respiratory infections among the general population. PLoS One. 2008;3(7):e2618. Published 2008 Jul 9. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002618

Websites:
• CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission April 3, 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.htm
• CDC Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 April 3, 2020 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
• Mask Facts(2020) Website Maskfacts.org Facts about masks and best-practices for mask creation, design, and use.
3M Website April 2014 PDF Key Differences Between Respirators and Masks

Media Articles from March-April 2020:

• COVID-19: WHY WE SHOULD ALL WEAR MASKS — THERE IS NEW SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE Dr. Sui Huang in Medium.com on March 26, 2020

• Keeping the Coronavirus from Infecting Health-Care Workers What Singapore’s and Hong Kong’s success is teaching us about the pandemic. Atul Gawande, MD in New Yorker on March 21, 2020

• Not wearing masks to protect against coronavirus is a ‘big mistake,’ top Chinese scientist says. Jon Cohen in Science Magazine on March 27, 2020

• To fight the spread of coronavirus, it’s time to wear masks in all hospitals. Harlan Krumholz, MD in Washington Post on March 31, 2020

• Wear a Mask. No, Don’t Wear a Mask. Wait: Yes, Wear a Mask. Danielle Kosecki In Elemental by Medicium on March 31, 2020

• Why Telling People They Don’t Need Masks Backfired. by Zeynep Tufekci in New York Times Opinion on March 17, 2020

“We saved the best for last! Our special needs kitty, who was spotted during the live show with Fall River Reporter, has gone home!

She saw him on the feed (while he was being loved and squished and she fell in love. He has no idea yet, but he has landed himself a wonderful home with a new mama who will love him, and squish him, and spoil him rotten!

We couldn’t have asked for a better match! Congratulations “Biscotti” on your Gotcha Day.” -Forever Paws Animal Shelter. 300 Lynwood St, Fall River, MA 02721, (508) 677-9154.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers followed up on a report of a moose in Blandford.

Over the course of several days, MEP, Massachusetts State Police, and personnel from MassWildlife responded to keep the animal away from Route 23 and I-90.

It was determined the safest course of action was to immobilize and relocate the moose. Officers from MEP and Troopers from MSP secured the area to ensure the animal would not travel into the busy roadways, while specially trained personnel from MassWildlife successfully immobilized the moose.

With the assistance of MSP, Blandford Police Department, and Good Samaritan bystanders, the moose was loaded into a vehicle and subsequently transported to an undisclosed rural location where it was monitored until it fully recovered from the effects of the immobilization agent.

75-year old former Bristol County District Attorney Ronald A. Pina, passed away Thursday evening at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness.

Mr. Pina had prosecuted some of the most high-profile cases in Bristol County’s history.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing yesterday of former Bristol County District Attorney Ron Pina. Ron grew up in the city, and dedicated his professional life to the betterment of New Bedford and all of Bristol County.

As District Attorney, Ron’s office was known for its first-rate advocacy and its relentless pursuit of justice for the residents of Bristol County. Ron’s effectiveness laid in part on his ability to attract talented, high-minded attorneys to serve under him, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in law and in public service.

I offer my condolences to Ron’s family during this difficult time.” –Mayor Jon Mitchell.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience but in consideration of safety for our community and staff we are closed through April and have stopped billing all accounts while we are temporarily closed. We have waived all Freeze Fees due to these extenuating circumstances.

We are taking advantage of this time to deep sanitize and complete some club renovations. We will open as a better and cleaner version of ourselves!

Please be safe and follow CDC guidelines as we all have our part to do in putting an end to this virus.

For concerns please connect with us on wowcares@wownewengland.com and check us out on FB and our website wownewengland.com for updates and our on line WORK “INs”

In Fitness and Health,
WOW Management
500 Kings Highway
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Call (508) 995-6668.”

“I know that I’m not alone in trying to figure this week out! There has been an air of anxiety hanging over all of us made worse by the weather, the unending news and a sense that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘This is the beginning of the beginning.’ Patience is often running low while stress is running high.

“Acushnet learned this week that four residents have contracted the Covid-19 virus. In a small town that hurts, as these folks are our extended family members. Collectively, we pray for them and hope their road to a full recovery is quick and complete. Their worry and concern is ours.

“As a town entity, we are prepared. Personnel Protective Equipment is available to our first responders. Facilities and equipment are getting disinfected and disinfected again. Your essential employees are on the job providing services while taking precautions. Buildings may be closed and hours reduced but the ball has not been dropped. We are all thankful that these folks continue to daily work on our behalf, as a community.

“Windows and mailboxes are being decorated with hearts and rainbows. Neighbors are checking in with neighbors. Businesses and individuals have donated N95 masks. Many people are making homemade masks that are provided to our staff. Residents are sending food to Police and Fire stations. Puzzles are being shared by neighbors. Acushnet is being kind, thoughtful and caring.

“We chose to live and work here. We stay because this is our community. We care because we are – despite our wonderful differences – truly all the same.

“Acushnet is nervous, on edge and antsy. We should be. We also know that every storm runs out of rain, that when this is behind us we will resume life in this fantastic little town a little more humble, a little kinder and a little more thankful for everything we have.

“Please stay safe.”

With respect and appreciation,

Kevin”

Tune in on our website or on Facebook to join Emma Lee Holmes-Hicks (violin) and Piero Guimaraes (percussion) Saturday at 7pm EDT for another evening soiree of eclectic music. Peter is not able to join the fun this time, but we are looking forward to performing that program with him soon.

In the meantime, we will take you on a musical journey through the History of Tango by Piazzolla, a new commission based on Brazilian proverbs by Kirsten Volness, a groovy duo for marimba and violin and we may even throw in a few fiddle tunes to top it off. Grab a drink, stay in your PJs and join us from the couch. We are looking forward to spending another evening with you, even if it has to be from a distance!

We will have two options to view this live stream: (1) If you have a Facebook account, go to the NBSO Facebook Live Videos page where you will see current and past live videos. Click on the “Emmy and the P’s” title to open the post so that you can comment and see others’ comments, or (2) go to our website and look for the Events tab, then Upcoming Events and click on the Emmy and the P’s box. Simply scroll down to find the video there.

Both options will not appear until very close to 7pm and the performance may start a bit late. And remember, if you miss it, you can view in either place for many days to come!

Facebook note: If you go to our main Facebook page to view the concert, please be sure to scroll down until you see the post with the live video. The EVENT will appear first, but the concert will appear in the POST further down the page.