The goal of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream (MADDS) is to learn more about the local illicit drug supply to better inform public health and public safety responses. MADDS is a state-funded collaboration between Brandeis University researchers, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, local community partners, and various town police departments. MADDS is part of the state’s responses that aligns with the Harm Reduction Commission’s recommendations. 

 

Piloted in 2019 in Boston and New Bedford, MADDS currently partners with harm reduction programs in Boston, New Bedford, Quincy, Cambridge, Lynn, Lawrence, Gloucester, Hyannis, Mashpee, Fall River, Brockton, Worcester, Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Pittsfield and North Adams communities, with new sites coming on board across the state.

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MADDS collaborates with police departments to provide public health surveillance by testing samples collected during drug seizures that are labeled for destruction. We do not directly share data on individual samples with law enforcement but provide aggregate data and information that is accessible via our public website. MADDS data cannot be used for criminal prosecution of any kind. The data we collect at police departments is shared with and accessible to our harm reduction community partners, the wider community, and provides another level of public health surveillance on the illicit drug supply in addition to community-based drug checking.    

 

MADDS has an Advisory Board that convenes regularly to review drug trends, recommends actions in response to data, and advises on how and to whom communications are indicated. The Board's membership represents the expertise and knowledge to best inform the work of MADDS: harm reduction organizations, analytic chemistry, and lived and living experience using and supplying drugs. 

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MADDS is funded by grants from the Centers for Disease Control, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. To Learn more about MADDS and specimen collection view our onboarding video.