CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The opioid crisis continues to impact western Massachusetts with the attorney general expected to address the ongoing impact it's having on local cities and towns. Attorney General Andrea Campbell will be in the region Tuesday to learn about how it's disproportionately im pacting rural areas as the fight against addiction and the opioid crisis continues in the commonwealth. According to the CDC, rates of drug overdose deaths in rural areas are rising and have surpassed rates in urban areas. Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is one of the organizations that plans to speak with the attorney general. When asked what challenges rural areas face when it comes to dealing with this crisis, Tony Boswell, Senior VP of BHN, told 22News, "I think the biggest challenge is access. There are very few clinics out in remote areas---and transportation is also an issue." In efforts to close this gap, BHN uses mobile methadone clinics to identify and reach the areas they deem as a 'methadone desert.' On the state level, Massachusetts state senator John Velis, the chair of the mental health substance use and recovery committee, is urging communities to utilize a statewide opioid settlement fund; To fight opioid addiction, especially in rural communities. "There's been a bit of a slower rollout," says Velis. "To me, that's incredibly problematic. We still find ourselves in the throes of an addiction crisis. Supply right now is more contaminated---I would argue--then its ever been in the history of this country." A substance use disorder bill was signed into state law at the end of 2024 to reduce drug-related deaths and support residents they need to recover from addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and needs help, call the 24/7 National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879. Local News Headlines Springfield Police and residents met to address growing city crime and safety concerns Local business backs ‘Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride’ with matching funds Enfield School District’s removal of BLM flag strikes controversy New state program to aid businesses hit by tariffs WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less