Boston Considers Shift from Harm Reduction Amid Mass and Cass Crisis

Boston’s approach to addressing the ongoing challenges at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard may be changing as city officials reassess their harm reduction strategy. A senior official from the administration of Mayor Michelle Wu, Kellie Young, indicated that the city might move away from current harm reduction methods in light of rising concerns from residents and local politicians about the impact of the Mass and Cass drug market.

At a public safety summit hosted by the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association on October 5, Young, who leads the city’s coordinated response team, announced that by January, they would present “strong recommendations for the mayor” related to public safety, recovery, and judicial initiatives. This comes as the city contemplates a potential “pivot” in its strategy regarding open drug use and related crime in the area.

Young emphasized the city’s commitment to collaborating with state and local partners, as well as community stakeholders, to identify weaknesses in its current strategy aimed at curbing public drug use. “The progress we’re making and the more successful we are, the more we’re going to have to pivot to go to the next phase, whatever that looks like,” she stated. The focus remains on adapting strategies that effectively address the city’s challenges.

The harm reduction strategy has faced criticism during Wu’s first term, with detractors arguing that it encourages drug use and exacerbates the open-air drug market. Supporters, however, defend it as a crucial measure to combat the spread of communicable diseases associated with intravenous drug use.

During the summit, Rishi Shukla, president of the Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association, questioned whether the city would reduce harm reduction interventions as it steers more individuals toward treatment, whether through voluntary measures or under the provisions of Section 35—a state law that allows for involuntary treatment of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. “We feel that treatment is the best option,” Young replied, acknowledging the complexities of addiction and its links to housing stability and mental health.

Young reported that since September 15, the city has successfully moved 200 individuals off the streets and into either inpatient substance use treatment or back to their place of origin. She noted that medication-assisted treatments, such as methadone, can be vital for long-term users battling addiction’s side effects.

“I think that it’s also important to hold individuals that are suffering with addiction accountable,” Young remarked, emphasizing the need to balance community safety with compassion for those facing addiction. She highlighted the importance of detainment as a potential turning point for individuals to access recovery pathways.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Young’s remarks suggested a willingness to reassess the city’s approach to harm reduction. Shukla expressed hope for a more integrated strategy that aligns public health initiatives with coordinated responses. “If we’re having fewer people on the streets, then I think logic tells us that there should be fewer deals being distributed as well,” he stated.

At the summit, it was revealed that Boston distributes over 80,000 needles each month to drug users. This statistic drew gasps from attendees, reflecting growing concern in neighborhoods affected by the fallout from the Mass and Cass area. Young’s colleague, Ojikutu, reported a 65% decrease in syringe-related 311 calls downtown over the past six to seven months, though she did not provide specific citywide statistics.

“We believe that one needle on the ground is too many,” Ojikutu said, underscoring the city’s commitment to improving public safety and reducing health hazards for residents, including children and pets.

City Councilor John FitzGerald, representing part of the South End, highlighted the necessity of changing the culture surrounding drug use in the area. “In Mass and Cass, it’s creating that environment and the culture to say, if you are coming here, you are going to get clean,” he explained.

As Boston navigates these complex issues, the city aims to strike a balance between harm reduction and fostering a safe environment for its residents while addressing the urgent needs of those affected by addiction. The upcoming recommendations from Young’s team will likely play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future strategies.