FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tonja Mettlach
(617) 330-1188 x280
tmettlach@massnonprofitnet.org
Allie Hunter McDade of the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative Named Nonprofit Excellence Award Finalist
GLOUCESTER, MA (April 27, 2017) – The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) is pleased to announce that Allie Hunter McDade of the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative has been selected as a finalist for the 2017 Nonprofit Excellence Awards for her success as a young professional. The Excellence Awards will be presented at MNN’s annual celebration of Nonprofit Awareness Day, a statewide holiday that highlights the work of the nonprofit sector and raises awareness of causes throughout Massachusetts presented by MNN and Citizens Bank, at the State House on June 5.
“The Nonprofit Excellence Awards honor the important, innovative work being done by nonprofits in every subsector and corner of the Commonwealth,” said Jim Klocke, CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. “We are excited to celebrate the commitment, diversity, and effectiveness of these impressive finalists and the passion and impact of the 33,000 nonprofits and more than half a million nonprofit employees in Massachusetts.”
This year, MNN’s independent panel of nonprofit and business leaders reviewed over 120 Excellence Award nominations that highlighted the incredible work of nonprofits across the state. The finalists range from large human rights coalitions to small arts organizations. These 26 nonprofits and individuals are improving communities across the Commonwealth, from the Berkshires to the Cape & Islands. The finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the Nonprofit Awareness Day celebration on June 5.
Allie Hunter McDade is the Executive Director for the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI), which supports police departments working with opioid addicts. PAARI helps law enforcement agencies establish pre-arrest programs that create bridges to treatment and recovery programs. Allie has built several innovative and effective strategies to fight opioid addiction, such as embedding social workers and peer recovery coaches within police departments. She is a dedicated advocate and forward thinker who believes deeply in the power of strong partnerships and community engagements. Since PAARI’s founding in June 2015, the organization has worked with more than 200 law enforcement agencies from 29 states. PAARI has distributed over 9,000 doses of 4mg nasal naloxone, helped more than 11,000 people enter treatment, and changed the conversation about law enforcement’s unique role in addressing the opioid epidemic.
“PAARI has grown from a local idea to a nationwide movement, and that would be impossible without the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners,” said Chief Frederick Ryan, Arlington Police Department, PAARI National Police Council Chair. “Allie Hunter McDade works day in and day out to ensure that law enforcement agencies in dozens of states have the tools, resources, and support they need to battle the opioid epidemic from the demand side, allowing people to take back their lives and become productive neighbors in their communities. Allie’s work has set the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative to succeed for years to come.”
Nonprofits across the state will also be engaging in a social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram leading up to June 5 and will use the hashtag #nonprofitsmakesense to highlight their unique contributions to their communities.
About the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) is the voice of the nonprofit sector and the only statewide organization that brings together all parts of the nonprofit ecosystem—nonprofits, funders, community and business leaders, and elected officials—to strengthen nonprofits and raise the sector’s voice on critical issues. MNN understands that strong nonprofits build strong communities. It is MNN’s mission to strengthen the nonprofit community through advocacy, public awareness, and capacity building. MNN has more than 650 nonprofit members and over 100 for-profit affiliate members. For more information or to become a member, visit www.massnonprofitnet.org.
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