New England Governors To Discuss Opioid Drug Crisis

New England's governors are scheduled to meet to map out a regional response to the growing problem around opioid drug addiction.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said Tuesday that the June 17 meeting at Brandeis University will include discussions on how to stem the flow of illegal drugs across state lines, along with coordinated approaches to treatment.

The announcement came as a substance abuse task force set up by Patrick released a final report with a series of recommendations, including an expansion of community-based treatment and recovery programs, including some specifically tailored for teenagers and young adults.

The report also calls for removing barriers to insurance coverage for addiction.

The governor declared a public health emergency in March in response to a sharp rise in overdoses from heroin and other opioids.