Erin Murphy

I've spent a lot of time in the Mass and Cass area over the past several years, and like anyone who has even just passed through recently knows, the public health crisis in the center of our City has dramatically worsened since June. Right now our neighbors, businesses, public health workers, and first responders are being overwhelmed. The situation has morphed from a crisis to a catastrophe. People have been killed. Women and vulnerable younger people are being sex-trafficked, assaulted, and abused every day and night. Illegal and dangerous drugs are being openly sold and used on public streets, sidewalks, and on private property. Workers at our hospitals, food businesses, and Suffolk county jail are at great physical, emotional, and financial risk as they simply try to go to work and go about their daily lives.

Yesterday, I spent several hours with Sue Sullivan, president of the Newmarket Business Association, and other local and political leaders at Mass and Cass, hearing from them how frustrated and worried they are, but also how determined they are to turn the tide at Mass and Cass. I believe that our leaders must work with Sue and related groups to transform the area back into a bustling, safe, and inclusive neighborhood, one where truck drivers, nurses, jail workers, residents, food workers, and those recovering from substance use disorder and family trauma can coexist comfortably and equitably.

Read More on my Recovery Works page