On June 1, 2015 — 3 years ago today — the Gloucester ANGEL Initiative opened its doors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to anyone suffering from the disease of addiction, creating a non-arrest, stigma-free, and immediate pathway to treatment and recovery. This innovative program has helped more than 600 people enter treatment to date.
The Gloucester ANGEL Initiative also sparked a movement of law enforcement agencies across the country who recognize that addiction is a disease not a crime that requires treatment not arrest. Founded alongside the groundbreaking Gloucester ANGEL Initiative in June 2015, PAARI has been a driving force behind this rapidly expanding community policing movement.
PAARI and our network of 408 law enforcement partners are working towards a collective vision where non-arrest diversion programs become a standard policing practice across the country. This movement is reducing overdose deaths, expanding access to treatment, improving public safety, reducing crime, diverting people away from the criminal justice system, reducing stigma, and increasing trust between law enforcement and their communities.
Thank you to the many law enforcement agencies, treatment programs, partners, volunteers, donors, and community members who have helped turn this simple idea into a national movement.
Although there is much to celebrate, there is still much work left to be done, as the opioid epidemic continues to claim 174 lives each day. PAARI’s work is more vital today than ever.
We encourage you to get involved by making a donation, talking to your local police department about joining PAARI, or reaching out to someone you know who is struggling with a substance use disorder.
3 Year Celebration & Awards Ceremony – June 27 at 6pm
What an amazing 3 years it has been! Since June 2015, PAARI has grown into a national movement of more than 400 law enforcement agencies who believe in treatment over arrest and incarceration. We have placed more than 600 people into treatment through the Gloucester ANGEL Program alone and more than 15,000 individuals in total through our partners across the country.
Come celebrate with us and congratulate the 2018 PAARI Leadership Award winners who make this all possible. Thanks to the unending support of Steve Jesi and Cheryl Marlow, for the 3rd year in a row, 3 participants of the Gloucester ANGEL Program will also receive the Stephenie Jesi Memorial Scholarship to support their recovery journey.
This event is not to be missed. We hope to see you there!
Tickets can be purchased here.
