Proactive outreach program offers home visits, counseling, and treatment options to recent overdose victims and their family members
Sandwich, Mass. – March 17, 2016– Gosnold on Cape Cod and the Sandwich Police Department have announced a new partnership program that aims to get overdose victims into treatment and on the road to recovery. The program, named the Overdose Intervention Program, is a coordinated effort between Gosnold and the police department to conduct follow-up visits to the homes of recent overdose victims to offer counseling and provide information about treatment options.
As part of the Overdose Intervention Program, plainclothes police officers accompany trained Gosnold recovery coaches on the home visits to offer assistance to the overdose victim as well as family members who may be frightened or not aware of the resources available to them.
“It is no secret that substance abuse has the potential to significantly impact a community,” said Sandwich Police Chief Peter Wack. “The Sandwich Police Department is committed to working in cooperation with the community and local organizations to preserve and improve the quality of life for those who call Sandwich their home, place of work, or who visit our town. Our new partnership with Gosnold will provide better services to those who suffer from substance abuse addiction. Our focus is to bridge the gap between our police officers and those in need by providing them with help and support. By coming together with Gosnold, we have the potential of saving lives and helping those who struggle with addiction in an effort to improve their quality of life.”
Gosnold has also successfully partnered with police departments in Yarmouth, Falmouth, Dennis and Harwich for over a year, with hopes to replicate the effort with more police departments across the region.
“Instead of waiting for individuals to call us, we call them. We make visits shortly after an overdose occurs, so that we can help set them on a path towards recovery,” said Raymond V. Tamasi, President & CEO of Gosnold. “There is a greater chance for success when you act quickly. The sooner we can get someone into treatment the better.”
In Sandwich, law enforcement officers say that this partnership is necessary to combat the serious problem they have identified throughout the community. While the department has worked diligently to offer support to victims, officers now have the ability to work alongside a recovery coach whose expertise on counseling, family support groups and interventions will be invaluable.
For more information about addiction prevention, treatment and recovery management, visit: www.gosnold.org.