Boards of health across the Vineyard are considering using federal opioid settlements to fund an Islandwide substance use disorder coordinator position. 

With six confirmed deaths from opioids in 2022, Martha’s Vineyard has not been spared from a crisis that is raging across the state.

Law enforcement and court officials plan to meet in the coming weeks to look into the potential of starting a new Island court system to help people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

A candlelight vigil is planned for next Friday on the Vineyard as part of an effort to draw attention to the opioid epidemic for International Overdose Awareness Day.

Chilmark selectmen unanimously voted this week to join a federal lawsuit against prescription opioid manufacturers and distributors.

About 75 municipalities in the commonwealth and hundreds in other states have joined a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Islanders working to treat or prevent addiction on Martha’s Vineyard met Thursday with Cong. William Keating for a frank discussion of opiate abuse.