Baker okay with screening students for substance abuse

STATE HOUSE — With a Senate bill aimed at preventing drug abuse teed up for debate next week, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that he is on board with encouraging schools to verbally screen students for substance use. Though the governor had previously seemed to disparage the idea by suggesting it could exacerbate the "stigma" surrounding substance abuse, Baker now says he misunderstood the Senate's initial proposal and would be supportive if the state can help schools pay for the screenings.

STATE HOUSE — With a Senate bill aimed at preventing drug abuse teed up for debate next week, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that he is on board with encouraging schools to verbally screen students for substance use. Though the governor had previously seemed to disparage the idea by suggesting it could exacerbate the "stigma" surrounding substance abuse, Baker now says he misunderstood the Senate's initial proposal and would be supportive if the state can help schools pay for the screenings.…