Partner Spotlight Archive

Partner Program Spotlight- VOA Northern New England – November 26th, 2024

On November 26th our partner spotlight featured VOA Northern New England. Our speakers included Robyn Goff (Director Community Justice, VOA Northern New England), Tia Poulin (Deflection and Diversion Program Manager, VOA Northern New England).

Partner Program Spotlight- Burrillville Addiction Assistance Program – October 29th, 2024

On October 29th our partner spotlight featured Colonel Stephen Lynch (Chief of Police, Burrillville Police Department), who provided an overview of Burrillville Addiction Assistance Program.

This Partner Spotlight Series highlights the Burrillville, Rhode Island Police Department‘s Addiction Assistance Program that began in 2017 in response to a surge in overdose deaths in the community. This program, modeled after the original Gloucester Angel Initiative, aims to connect individuals struggling with addiction to treatment resources. The program is fully funded by the town of Burrillville and has one coordinator who works with individuals to navigate the healthcare system and find appropriate treatment placements. The program has seen success, with individuals achieving long-term recovery after multiple treatment attempts.

This Spotlight also highlights the Burrillville Prevention Action Coalition (BPAC), focused on youth prevention, and the MURPH program, which assists individuals with special needs. The department’s officers have embraced the program, making referrals and administering Narcan to save lives. Through a combination of empathy, resources, and training, Burrillville police officers have come to see addiction as an illness and are committed to helping those struggling with it.

Partner Program Spotlight- Schenectady Police Department Cares Program – September 24th, 2024

The webinar highlights the Schenectady Police Department’s CARES program, presented by Lieutenant Ryan Macaron, Sergeant Nick Manix, Jennifer Hayden, and Michelle Ska, which focuses on harm reduction and community outreach in Schenectady, NY—a city with a population of just under 70,000. Established in 2019, the CARES program provides essential support and resources for individuals with substance use disorders. It has expanded to include post-overdose outreach, helping people access treatment and recovery services after overdose incidents.

Sergeant Nick Manix shares his experiences working with a local homeless encampment, where he prioritizes building trust and connecting residents to available resources. The CARES program embodies a harm reduction approach to both substance use and homelessness, working closely with community organizations to ensure support is accessible to individuals in need, wherever they are.

Schenectady County, where the program operates, faces high demand for support services, with 80,000 to 90,000 calls for service annually and 33% of residents living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. Overdose data reflects the severity of the opioid crisis in the area: in 2021, there were 2,515 non-fatal overdoses and 40-50 fatal overdoses, and in 2022, non-fatal overdoses increased to 3,580 with fatal overdoses remaining steady. Schenectady CARES made a significant impact in 2021 by engaging over 1,100 individuals in post-overdose outreach, showing the program’s dedication to supporting recovery and reducing overdose risk through compassionate, targeted community engagement.

 

Partner Program Spotlight- Hub Situation Table – August 27th, 2024

On August 27th, PAARI’s Partner Spotlight Series featured Scott Allen from Cordata Healthcare Innovations, who provided an overview of Hub Situation Tables. During the event we also highlighted Tricia Hamilton, a Community Policing Advocate for the Frankfort, KY Police Department, and Capt. Joel Goodwin of the Corvallis, OR Police Department, who will spoke about their experiences with implementing Hubs for this month’s partner spotlight.

Partner Program Spotlight- Johnson County, KS Co-Responder Program – July 30th, 2024

On July 30th, PAARI’s Partner Spotlight Series our featured partners for the month of July were Jessica Murphy (Deputy Division Director, Emergency Services Johnson Co. KS Mental Health Center) and Sgt. Stewart Brought (Overland Park KS Police Department) joined by Haven as speakers for this month’s partner spotlight. They discussed the Johnson County, KS Co-Responder Program.

Partner Program Spotlight- Tucson Police Department CORE Unit– June 25th, 2024

The Tucson Police Department has implemented a progressive deflection program to address the opioid crisis, aiming to redirect individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) away from the criminal justice system and towards treatment. In partnership with CODAC, a local treatment provider, and the Community Outreach Resource and Education (CORE) unit, officers are trained in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing techniques. CORE officers work alongside CODAC peer responders to build trust and provide encouragement, facilitating treatment for individuals in need through both self-referrals and proactive outreach. The program’s approach is focused on saving lives and reducing crime by addressing addiction as a root cause, while fostering trust and community engagement through compassionate, treatment-focused responses. By recognizing the co-occurrence of addiction with mental health, homelessness, and other unmet needs, the program connects participants to a comprehensive network of support services. Additionally, officers are given the discretion to refer individuals to treatment instead of making arrests, promoting a holistic, community-driven response to addiction that has shown success in reducing overdose deaths and increasing access to essential services.

Partner Program Spotlight- Lucas County D.A.R.T- May 28th, 2024

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office established the Drug Abuse Response Team (DART) in 2014 to combat the opioid crisis through proactive engagement and support for individuals battling substance use disorder (SUD). Originally composed of two deputies and a sergeant, DART grew into a multi-jurisdictional unit, incorporating officers from seven agencies at its peak. DART’s mission focuses on raising awareness about drug dangers and helping individuals overcome addiction by connecting with overdose victims in hospitals, offering resources, and providing transportation to treatment facilities. 

Since its inception, DART has assisted over 7,000 individuals struggling with SUD, exemplifying its broad impact within the community. Lieutenant Rogers highlights a significant reduction in overdose deaths from 2020 to 2022, attributing this progress to strong community relationships and partnerships. Through its collaborative, treatment-oriented approach, DART has made strides in reducing overdose rates and supporting long-term recovery efforts in Lucas County.

Partner Program Spotlight- South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit & Project FORT- April 30th, 2024

The Fairfield County, Ohio initiative, Project FORT (Fairfield Overdose Response Team), represents a collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis through a blend of law enforcement and community-led approaches. Spearheaded by Commander Dennis Lowe, this program combines enforcement with outreach and deflection strategies to guide individuals struggling with substance use toward treatment and recovery services outside the criminal justice system. Established on the foundation of robust partnerships between law enforcement, community leaders, and other local stakeholders, Project FORT has successfully reduced overdose deaths in Fairfield County. 

The program’s holistic approach highlights the critical role of collaboration in fostering community health. By connecting individuals with substance use disorders to supportive resources and emphasizing deflection over traditional punitive measures, Project FORT not only addresses addiction but also promotes recovery and enhances community well-being. Its comprehensive, partnership-driven model serves as a strong example for addressing the drug crisis through community-centered solutions.

Partner Program Spotlight- Jeffersontown Kentucky PD- March 26th, 2024

The Jeffersontown, Kentucky Police Department’s REACH program, an evolution of their earlier Angel program, exemplifies a successful, city-funded initiative aimed at addressing substance abuse, mental health, and victim services through a social work-centered approach. REACH focuses on deflection and community outreach, guiding individuals toward support and treatment rather than the criminal justice system. This approach not only addresses root causes but also aids in crime reduction across the community. The program’s success lies in its partnership with social workers, allowing tailored assistance for those in need. The program’s high success rate is reflected in the number of individuals who have successfully entered treatment, underscoring the impact of collaborative, compassionate intervention in public safety efforts.

Partner Program Spotlight- Denver’s Behavioral Health Response – February 27th, 2024

Chris Richardson and Sam Ravens from Denver, Colorado, presented the city’s advanced behavioral health response initiatives, detailing the city’s proactive approach to the rising demand in mental health emergency responses. Over the past three years, Denver has experienced a 17% increase in mental and behavioral health-related 911 calls. This surge has driven Denver to reshape its response model, emphasizing a civilian-led, trauma-informed approach as part of its 21st-century policing strategy. 

Central to this transformation is Denver’s co-responder program, launched in 2016, which pairs clinicians with police, fire, and sheriff’s departments to collaboratively address mental health crises in real-time. Clinicians provide on-scene trauma-informed care, ensuring individuals in crisis receive immediate support and connection to vital resources, ultimately reducing recidivism and the likelihood of future police interaction. 

The co-responder model has grown to encompass specialized teams, such as the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) team, which focuses on individuals with recurring interactions due to behavioral health issues, and Substance Use Navigators, dedicated to connecting people struggling with addiction to targeted care and support. These specialized teams strengthen Denver’s community safety efforts by focusing on prevention, recovery, and diverting individuals away from the criminal justice system toward sustained care. Through this multi-layered approach, Denver is setting a benchmark in modern crisis response, fostering a safer, healthier community.

Partner Program Spotlight- Life-Saving Technologies to Combat the Current and Future Opioid Crisis – January 30th, 2024

In this panel discussion on lifesaving technologies addressing the opioid crisis, experts from Detect Chem and law enforcement emphasized the rising dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in overdose deaths, calling for greater access to reliable testing kits. The panel highlighted harm reduction strategies and underscored the critical role of interagency collaboration in combating the crisis. 

A key focus was on the development and deployment of fentanyl and xylazine test strips, which are essential tools for overdose prevention. These strips enable individuals and first responders to detect harmful substances in drugs, helping prevent accidental overdoses. The Q&A session addressed the need for accurate field tests, discussing concerns about the consistency of results and advocating for standardized kits to enhance reliability. 

Overall, the discussion underscored the urgent need to address the opioid crisis through advanced technologies, accessible resources, and coordinated efforts, aiming to save lives and reduce the impact of dangerous substances in communities.

Partner Program Spotlight – Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Sgt. Jose Gomez, Kisha Lorio (Harris County, Texas) – November 28th, 2023

In this presentation, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Sergeant Jose Gomez, and Kisha Lorio from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas discussed their innovative CORE (Crisis Outreach and Response) telehealth program. The program connects law enforcement officers in the field with mental health clinicians through telehealth video technology, allowing for more effective triage of individuals experiencing mental health crises. This initiative aims to divert individuals from the criminal justice system and direct them to appropriate mental healthcare services.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which serves an area of 1,700 square miles and has approximately 5,000 team members, has expanded the CORE telehealth program to 14 additional partner agencies within the county. During the year-long pilot phase, 20 iPads were distributed to deputies, enabling them to connect with clinicians remotely. The iPads were used approximately 500 times, showcasing the program’s success in enhancing the law enforcement response to mental health situations. The program is praised for its ability to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health needs while reducing the strain on the criminal justice system.

Partner Program Spotlight – Sgt. Meg Hamilton, Ret. Capt Joe Balles and Janae Goodrich (Madison Police Department) – October 31st, 2023

The Madison Police Department’s “Pathways to Recovery” program, discussed by retired Captain Joe Balles and Sergeant Meg Hamilton, is a multidisciplinary initiative focused on addressing the opioid crisis through voluntary, person-centered approaches. The program has grown to include strong community partnerships, with the Addiction Resource Team (ART) playing a vital role in providing harm reduction services and ongoing support to individuals in need. Key outcomes from the program include over 300 referrals to the Madison Area Addiction Recovery Initiative (MAARI), with 263 individuals eligible for the program and included in a study group. Among these, 160 individuals completed a substance use disorder assessment, achieving a 60% response rate. Additionally, 100 individuals signed an arrest diversion plan, and another 100 successfully completed six months of treatment and recovery. The “Pathways to Recovery” program focuses on diversion and treatment, reducing arrests and supporting individuals in overcoming substance use disorders through community-driven support and resources.

Partner Program Spotlight – Captain Tom Fallon and Meagan Guthrie (Hamilton County QRT, Ohio) – September 26th, 2023

Captain Tom Fallon and Meagan Guthrie discuss the Quick Response Team (QRT) in Hamilton County, Ohio, a collaborative effort between the Hamilton County Police Chiefs Association and Hamilton County Administration. The QRT initially started as a small, reactive team focused on post-overdose follow-up. Over time, it has evolved into a full-time, proactive multi-jurisdictional program addressing substance abuse, mental health, and homelessness across the county. The team now operates with six distinct pathways for intervention.

Key statistics and outcomes include:

– In 2017, Hamilton County experienced the highest number of overdose deaths, with 570 fatalities.

– From 2021 to 2022, the county saw a 16% decrease in overdose deaths.

– Since the peak of the overdose crisis, there has been a 24% overall reduction in overdose deaths.

The expansion of the QRT reflects the county’s shift towards a more comprehensive, proactive approach in addressing the opioid crisis and related issues. The program’s success is measured by its ability to connect individuals with treatment and resources, contributing to the reduction in overdose deaths.

 

Partner Program Spotlight – Jennifer Corbin and Lt. Steven Thomas ( Arundel County Crisis Response Team ) – August 29th, 2023

On August 29th, PAARI highlighted Jennifer Corbin and Lt. Steven Thomas. In response to the growing need for crisis services and the desire to serve individuals in the least restrictive setting, AACMHA developed the CRS to provide an array of behavioral health options and supports for individuals in distress.

Partner Program Spotlight – Connie Priddy (Cabell County EMS) – July 25th, 2023

Connie Priddy discusses the implementation of a Quick Response Team (QRT) in Cabell County, West Virginia, as part of efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The QRT model involves a team of first responders, behavioral health specialists, and faith leaders who visit individuals after an overdose to provide support and connect them to treatment resources. This approach has been instrumental in reducing overdose fatalities and increasing access to necessary treatment. Cabell County EMS responded to 36,000-38,000 calls annually, including non-emergent transports, and in 2014, the county was leading the nation in overdose fatalities and occurrences. In August 2016, there were 28 overdoses within a 5-hour period, and by August 2017, overdose calls had risen to nearly 200 per month. The success of the QRT in Cabell County highlights the effectiveness of community-based, multi-disciplinary teams in addressing the opioid crisis and connecting individuals with the help they need.

 

Partner Program Spotlight – Sarko Gergerian (Winthrop Clear) – June 27th, 2023

Director Meredith Hurley and Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian discuss the Winthrop Clear program, which emerged from a collaboration between public health and public safety to address community needs, especially in response to the opioid crisis. Sarko Gergerian explains the program’s origins, starting in 2014 as a specialized opioid response, and evolving into a comprehensive approach to tackle various social issues, such as mental health, addiction, and marginalized groups. The program emphasizes guardianship, viewing individuals as valuable assets rather than problems, and uses police data to proactively address quality-of-life issues by connecting people to appropriate resources. A key element of the program’s success has been the trust built between the guardian and enforcement sides, maintaining confidentiality to ensure effective intervention. Meredith Hurley highlights the critical role that buy-in from public safety leadership played in the program’s development and continued success. Winthrop Clear is a community policing methodology with a recovery orientation, aiming to move mental health and substance use issues away from the criminal justice system, focusing on collaborative, community-centered solutions.

 

Partner Program Spotlight – Corporal Erica Valvano (Hope One) – May 30th, 2023

Corporal Erica Valvano and Peer Recovery Specialist John Eric Randazzo from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office discuss the Hope One Mobile Outreach Vehicle program, which aims to bring substance use and mental health services directly to individuals in need. Corporal Valvano explains that Hope One was created to reduce stigma, build community trust, and foster collaboration with partner agencies. The mobile unit provides a variety of resources, including Narcan kits and training, to support individuals in crisis. John Eric Randazzo emphasizes the critical role of empathy and active listening in his work as a peer recovery specialist, helping individuals navigate their own recovery journey. He highlights the impact of Narcan, with over 7,000 kits distributed and 136 lives saved through its use. To date, Hope One has made 37,457 contacts, with more than 900 Narcan kits distributed in the current year alone. The program has made over 1,000 stops, further solidifying its success in connecting individuals with life-saving resources.

 

Partner Program Spotlight – Dan Cortez (Chelsea Police Department) – April 25th, 2023

Dan Cortez, Community Engagement Specialist for the Chelsea Police Department, introduces the Chelsea Hub situation table, a police-led initiative designed to address the needs of high-risk individuals before a crisis occurs. The Hub brings together social service providers to collaborate and connect individuals with essential services, focusing on risk factors such as substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health. By identifying individuals at acutely elevated risk, the Hub follows a structured process to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Massachusetts is home to 20 situation tables, with five located in Boston, reflecting the program’s growing impact in addressing community health and safety.

Partner Program Spotlight – Chief Jeff Tate (Shakopee Police Department) – March 28, 2023

Chief Jeff Tate presents the Shakopee Police Department’s Recovery Assistance Program, which offers scholarships to residents struggling to pay for drug or alcohol treatment. Funded by asset forfeiture funds, the program has successfully supported individuals in completing treatment. To date, the department has awarded 53 scholarships. Notably, the program has seen a low recidivism rate underscoring the program’s effectiveness in helping individuals achieve long-term recovery.

 

Judge Linda Davis shares her personal experience with addiction within her family and how it inspired her to create Families Against Narcotics (FAN) and the Hope Not Handcuffs program. In her presentation, Judge Davis emphasizes the stigma surrounding addiction and the lack of resources and understanding for those struggling with it. Through her efforts, she aims to change the system and provide much-needed support for individuals and families affected by addiction.

She highlights that 87-90% of all cases (excluding traffic offenses) in her jurisdiction are drug-related, underscoring the magnitude of the issue. Judge Davis also shares the personal challenge of spending close to $200,000 trying to find treatment for her daughter, illustrating the barriers families often face in seeking help. Through FAN and Hope Not Handcuffs, Judge Davis works to reduce stigma, increase access to treatment, and offer more compassionate responses to those battling addiction.