Massachusetts Attorney General-elect Maura Healey is preparing a major push against heroin and prescription drug abuse, a problem she describes as "epidemic."
Healey says the crisis has worsened because anti-pain medication is so potent and illegal drugs like heroin are readily available.
She says she wants to create a task force to help sharpen the response to drug abuse in the state. She also wants to expand the Massachusetts program that monitors prescription drug use and wants to investigate the cost of anti-overdose medication.
In addition, Healey is pledging to use resources from the attorney general's office for public educational efforts and to help reduce teen access to prescription medicine.
Healey also says she will consider taking legal action against pharmaceutical companies to help rein in prescription drug abuse.
