Gov. Charlie Baker will bring his perspectives on drug addiction along with a freshly signed law aimed at limiting access to powerful painkillers to an April conference looking at ways to improve health care.
In addition to the governor, the HxRefactored conference in Boston will feature Drug Story Theater, an improve troupe consisting of teenagers in early stages of recovery.
Baker has discussed the deadly scourge of drug addiction with the medical community and law enforcement, pushed for legislation and hosted a screening of an HBO documentary about heroin addiction on Cape Cod. On Monday he will sign a bill into law limiting initial painkiller prescriptions and requiring schools to screen students for drug abuse.
“We are hopeful that we can harness the power of HxRefactored attendees to brainstorm ideas for how we can work together to improve the support and care available for those battling addiction or experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Amy Cueva, CEO of the digital design agency Mad*Pow, in a statement.
The announcement that Baker would appear on April 6 at the conference was made in early March by Mad*Pow and Health 2.0, which is billed as “the premiere showcase and catalyst for the advancement of new health technologies.” The governor’s office confirmed Baker’s attendance several days before lawmakers last week agreed on a comprehensive bill to battle drug addiction.
The governor has previously served as secretary of Health and Human Services and as the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
