For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

EB HOPE Hosts Successful Substance Abuse Drop-In Center Sessions

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Police Chief John Cowan is pleased to announce the EB HOPE Substance Abuse Drop-In Center sessions have yielded positive results since initiation this fall.

In November 2015, EB HOPE began the first of its bi-monthly drop-in center sessions, which were created to proactively assist people suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs) and their family and friends.

Since the first meeting on Nov. 5, where seven people attended (four of which are struggling with an SUD), the numbers of guests at the sessions has continued to rise over the last six meetings.

“We are so extremely proud of the amount of people we’ve be able to help through these drop-in centers,” Chief Cowan said. “Whether it’s placing residents with SUDs into treatment, finding support for family and friends, or training attendees on how to use Narcan, we are making a difference and saving lives.”

The next drop-in center will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 5-9 p.m.

• During the most recent session on Feb. 4, organizers had 13 visitors attend. Additionally, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has begun to provide support to the drop-in center.
• From November through Feb. 7, EB HOPE’s drop-in center has assisted a total of 87 people, including 32 people suffering from SUDs and 55 family members or friends. Additionally, EB HOPE has hosted 14 guests or observers from other police departments, organizations or coalitions who attended with the intent of bringing the initiative back to their communities.
• Visitors included residents from East Bridgewater, Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Whitman, Brockton, Easton, Franklin, Pembroke, Hanson, Rockland, Halifax, Hingham, Swansea, Falmouth, Wareham, Avon and Abington.
• Since the initial November session, EB HOPE, in cooperation with East Bridgewater Police, developed a protocol to help residents with SUDs during the non drop-in center session hours. Those who need help can call the police station or EB HOPE phone number to be connected to a volunteer who will assist them in getting into detox/treatment. Utilizing partnerships with High Point Treatment Center, Spectrum Healthcare and other facilities, EB Hope has placed 32 participants, 10 of which have been non drop-in center individuals.
• Over the past two weeks, EB HOPE has assisted seven people get into treatment after receiving calls at either the East Bridgewater police station, or the EB HOPE phone line (non drop-in center sessions).
• Forty-four people have received Narcan training at the EB HOPE drop-in center sessions from Nov. 5 through Feb. 4.

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