Board of Health

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Apr 06 2022 10:25 am Office of the Board of Health City Hall Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 Office of the Board of Health City Hall 718 Main Street Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 For immediate release: April 4, 2022 Further information: SChristensen@fitchburgma.gov Section 35: The Court’s Perspective Fitchburg, MA – On Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Legislative Building, 700 Main Street, Fitchburg, the City of Fitchburg Board of Health Outreach and Prevention will provide the public the opportunity to learn about Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123, section 35. The Honorable Christopher P. LoConto, Presiding Justice, Fitchburg District Court and Carol Vittorioso, Clerk-Magistrate, Fitchburg District Court will lead the presentation. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123, section 35 permits the courts to involuntarily commit someone who has an alcohol or substance use disorder and there is a likelihood of serious harm as a result of their substance use. Any police officer, physician, spouse, blood relative, guardian or court official may petition in writing to any district court or any division of the juvenile court department for an order of commitment. Judge LoConto and Clerk-Magistrate Vittorioso will discuss the role of the court and the procedural aspects of obtaining a “section 35”. Stephen Curry, Director of Public Health, states "We are honored to have Judge LoConto and Clerk-Magistrate Vittorioso join us and provide an overview of the process that many families have utilized in order to obtain help for a loved one". This event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Residents are invited to attend and learn about this legal process.