Webinar Archive

June 24th, 2025- Partner Program Spotlight- Handle with Care

The May event highlighted Andrea Darr, Subject Expert of Handle with Care, which aims to prevent children’s exposure to trauma and violence and mitigate its adverse effects.

May 27th, 2025- Partner Program Spotlight- Montgomery County, OH

The May event highlighted the work of the Montgomery County, Ohio, Quick Response Team (QRT). The Montgomery County QRT operates under a public health framework to address addiction and overdose in Dayton and Montgomery County. Housed within Montgomery County Public Health, the QRT responds to overdoses and provides outreach services to individuals experiencing addiction.

May 22nd, 2025- Medicaid Reentry Initiative: Preventing Overdose, Improving Outcomes

This webinar provided an overview of the Medicaid reentry initiative, shared lessons learned from the 19 states currently working to implement federally approved Medicaid reentry waivers and included a live Q&A and discussion session.

April 29th, 2025- Partner Program Spotlight- Cayce, SC

This month’s Spotlight Series featured the Cayce Fire Department in South Carolina and their innovative Muffin Cares program. The program, Animal-Assisted Interventions with Muffin the Therapy Horse, has been a remarkable success. Muffin has played a key role in starting conversations about why overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Lexington County.

March 25, 2025- Partner Program Spotlight- Watertown, CT

The spotlight on Watertown, CT featured Chief Joshua Bernegger of the Watertown, CT Police Department and Lauren Pristo, Director of Community Engagement at McCall Behavioral Health Network and Statewide Project Manager for Connecticut’s CLEAR program. The CLEAR initiative is a deflection effort designed to increase connections to care and support for people with SUD while fostering a cohesive, collaborative response to addiction among community partners and law enforcement.

March 6th, 2025- Maine Convening

PAARI hosted our first Maine Statewide Virtual Convening of the year in partnership with VOA Northern New England. This was an opportunity for all Maine partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

January 28, 2025- Partner Program Spotlight- Myrtle Beach, SC

This monthly webinar showcases the Myrtle Beach Police Department and its community deflection program, highlighting the importance of leveraging community partnerships, identifying service gaps, and creating actionable plans to address community needs.

December 19th, 2024- PAARI 101

This monthly webinar is an opportunity for individuals and departments to hear more about the history of non-arrest deflection models, PAARI’s partners’ programs, and the benefits of joining PAARI.

December 5th, 2024- Maine Convening

On December 5th PAARI hosted our Maine Statewide Virtual Convening in partnership with VOA Northern New England. This was an opportunity for all Maine partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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).

November 21st, 2024- West Virginia Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a West Virginia Statewide Virtual Convening on November 21,2024. This was an opportunity for all West Virginia partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

November 7th, 2024- Tri-State Convening

PAARI hosted a Tri-State Virtual Convening on November 7,2024. This was an opportunity for all our Tri-State partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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.

October 8th, 2024- South Carolina Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a South Carolina Statewide Virtual Convening on October 08,2024. This was an opportunity for all South Carolina partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

September 25th, 2024- West Virginia Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a West Virginia Statewide Virtual Convening on September 25,2024. This was an opportunity for all West Virginia partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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.

September 17th, 2024- Minnesota Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a Minnesota Statewide Virtual Convening on September 17,2024. This was an opportunity for all Minnesota partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

September 11th, 2024- Wisconsin Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a Wisconsin Statewide Virtual Convening on September 12,2024. This was an opportunity for all Wisconsin partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

September 10th, 2024- Emerging Threats Symposium: Xylazine + Stimulant Use Disorder Panel

PAARI hosted our Emerging Threats Symposium on September 10th, 2024. This was an educational and collaborative discussion regarding Xylazine + Stimulant Use Disorder. Our speakers included Dr. Traci Green (Director, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative), and Justin Alves (Clinical Nurse Educator, Boston Medical Center).

September 10th, 2024- Emerging Threats Symposium: Drug Interdiction Overview Panel

PAARI hosted our Emerging Threats Symposium on September 10th, 2024. This was an educational and collaborative discussion regarding Drug Interdiction/Emerging Threats. Our speakers included Amanda Consigli (Public Health Analyst, New England HIDTA), and Mike Sampson (Drug Intelligence Officer, New England HIDTA).

September 10th, 2024- Emerging Threats Symposium: Cannabis Use Disorder Panel

PAARI hosted our Emerging Threats Symposium on September 10th, 2024. This was an educational and collaborative discussion regarding Cannabis Use Disorder. Our speakers included Tanya Gouveia (Owner and Operator, Addiction Recovery Counseling, LLC).

September 10th, 2024- Emerging Threats Symposium: Alcohol Use Disorder Panel

PAARI hosted our Emerging Threats Symposium on September 10th, 2024. This was an educational and collaborative discussion regarding Alcohol Use Disorder. Our speakers included Dr. David Rosenbloom (Ret. Professor, BU School of Public Health), and Dr. Amy Fitzpatrick (Primary Care Physician, Boston Medical Center).

September 5th, 2024- Maine Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted our Maine Statewide Virtual Convening in partnership with Volunteers of America New England on September 5th, 2024. This was an opportunity for all Maine partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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.

August 15th, 2024- PAARI 101

August 13th, 2024- Massachusetts Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a Massachusetts Statewide Virtual Convening on August 13,2024. This was an opportunity for all Massachusetts partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

August 8th, 2024- Tri-State Convening

PAARI hosted a Tri-State Virtual Convening on August 8,2024. This was an opportunity for all our Tri-State partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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.

July 18th, 2024- PAARI 101

July 10th, 2024- Effect of Drug Market Interventions on Overdoses (NE CDC/HIDTA )

On July 10 the Massachusetts ORS Team hosted a webinar on the Effect of Drug Market Disruptions on Overdose. In this webinar the key learning objectives included:

Gain an understanding of current research on the effects of drug market disruptions on overdose rates. Discover strategies that local police departments can implement after a drug seizure, focusing on public health and safety partnerships. Learn how to apply principles from the CDC’s Opioid Rapid Response Program (ORRP) following drug seizures.

July 9th, 2024- South Caroline Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a South Carolina Statewide Virtual Convening on June 13,2024. This was an opportunity for all South Carolina partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

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

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.

June 18th, 2024- Minnesota Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a special edition of our Minnesota Virtual Convening. This was an opportunity to learn about Opioid Settlement Funds resources, and for partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

June 13th, 2024- Wisconsin Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted a Wisconsin Statewide Virtual Convening on June 13,2024. This was an opportunity for all Wisconsin partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

June 6th, 2024- Maine Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted our Maine Statewide Virtual Convening in partnership with Volunteers of America New England on June 6, 2024. This was an opportunity for all Maine partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection. Information was shared by Gordon Smith, Director State of Maine Opioid Response about the Opioid Settlement Funds. and resources from the Council of State Governments Community Justice Center.

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

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.

May 14th, 2024- Massachusetts Statewide Convening

Our Massachusetts Convening on May 9th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Massachusetts communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

May 9th, 2024- New York Statewide Convening

Our New York Convening on May 9th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for New York communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

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

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.

April 16, 2024 – New Jersey Statewide Convening

Our New Jersey Convening on April 16th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for New Jersey communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

April 9, 2024 – South Carolina Statewide Convening

Our South Carolina Convening on April 9th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for South Carolina communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

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

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.

March 19, 2024 – Minnesota Statewide Convening

Our Minnesota Convening on March 19th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Minnesota communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

March 14, 2024 – Wisconsin Statewide Convening

Our Wisconsin Convening on March 14th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Wisconsin communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

March 7, 2024 – Maine Statewide Convening

PAARI hosted our Maine Statewide Virtual Convening. This was an opportunity for all Maine partners to share their resources and network with other individuals in the field of deflection.

VOA, LEAD National Bureau, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney for District 6 and Know your OPTIONS are among the speakers for this event!

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

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.

February 13, 2024 – Massachusetts Statewide Convening

Our Massachusetts Convening on Febraury 13th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Massachusetts communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

February 8, 2024 – New York Statewide Convening

Our New York Statewide Convening on Febraury 8th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for New York communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

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

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.

January 9, 2024 – South Carolina Statewide Convening

Our South Carolina Statewide Convening on January 9th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for South Carolina communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

December 19, 2023 – Minnesota Statewide Convening

Our Minnesota Statewide Convening on December 19th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Minnesota communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

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

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.

November 1, 2023-Keeping In Compliance With Federal Law When Detaining Inmates With SUD Who Are In MAT Treatment

On November 1st, PAARI led a webinar with Greg Dorchak ( Assistant United States Attorney U.S Attorneys Office, Massachusetts) to discuss Keeping In Compliance With Federal Law When Detaining Inmates With SUD Who Are In MAT Treatment.

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

On October 31st, PAARI’s Partner Spotlight Series featured the Madison Police Department highlighting its Pathways to Recovery project. The project implements two pathways. One is the Addiction Resource Team, one of the department’s three flagship diversion and deflection programs. This team utilizes a police officer from Madison PD and a peer specialist from Safe Communities to follow up with those who have experienced a non-fatal overdose or other precipitating event that brought them in contact with the police or fire departments. The purpose of the team is to provide harm-reduction materials and connect individuals to recovery resources.

October 10, 2023- Xylazine 102 Webinar

This webinar will specifically concentrate on wound care and community responses to Xylazine, building upon the material previously presented in the Xylazine 101 For Public Safety Webinars.

September 26, 2023- Partner Program Spotlight – Hamilton County QRT, Ohio

On September 26th, PAARI highlighted Captain Tom Fallon and Meagan Guthrie. The Quick Response Team (QRT) is a co-responder deflection program that provides community-based substance use, mental health, homelessness, and other needs-based services, with the immediate goal of connecting Hamilton County residents with the most appropriate care specific to their needs.

September 12, 2023 – Maine Statewide Convening

In Collaboration with the Volunteers of America, Northern New England, PAARI hosted a second Maine Statewide Convening. This event offers individuals who are actively involved in developing non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery an excellent opportunity to learn from others, exchange resources, and engage in discussions about overcoming obstacles.This statewide convening shared what worked for Maine communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state

August 29, 2023- Partner Program Spotlight – Anne Arundel County Crisis Response Team

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.

August 8, 2023- Xylazine 101 Webinar

PAARI has been working with research partners Brandeis University and Thomas Jefferson University to develop a response to the emerging threat of xylazine. This animal sedative is being mixed into opioids and other stimulants (often called “tranq” on the streets). As xylazine has been found in an increasing number of overdose deaths around the country, leading to serious skin wounds and safety concerns related to extended heavy sedation. We want to make sure our partners feel well-informed about this emerging threat and are equipped with some best practices on how to address it in your community.

Our webinar will include a presentation by Jason Bienert, a wound care nurse who has been featured in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal for his work on xylazine.

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

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.

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

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.

June 20, 2023 – Minnesota Statewide Convening

Our Minnesota Statewide Convening on June 20th. This event was designed for those committed to forging alternative paths to treatment and recovery, offering a platform to learn from fellow participants, exchange valuable resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming obstacles. This statewide convening shared what worked for Minnesota communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state.

June 07, 2023 – Maine Statewide Convening

In Collaboration with the Volunteers of America, Northern New England, PAARI hosted a Maine Statewide Convening. This event offers individuals who are actively involved in developing non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery an excellent opportunity to learn from others, exchange resources, and engage in discussions about overcoming obstacles.This statewide convening shared what worked for Maine communities, what other communities may be lacking, and open the floor to other programs in the state

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

March 16, 2023 – PAARI 101

Our monthly webinar, an opportunity for individuals and departments to hear more about the history of non-arrest deflection models, PAARI’s partners’ programs, and the benefits of joining PAARI

March 07, 2023 – Maine Statewide Convening

February 28, 2023 – PAARI Partner Spotlight- Plymouth County Outreach

Plymouth County Outreach (PCO) is a collaborative initiative involving 27 municipal police departments, Bridgewater State University Police Department, recovery coaches, community organizations, and coalitions. Presented by Vicki Butler and Mike Skowyra, PCO’s primary goal is to reduce overdose fatalities and promote positive lifestyle changes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and their families. The program offers compassionate, judgment-free support while increasing access to treatment resources and harm reduction tools.

A key component of PCO is data collection and analysis, which helps demonstrate the program’s effectiveness, identify gaps in services, and guide program development. Initially focused on opioid use disorders, PCO has expanded to address alcohol use disorders and the misuse of prescription medication. PCO utilizes a proactive approach, providing referrals for at-risk individuals before an overdose occurs. These referrals come from various sources, including family members, individuals themselves, or police officers identifying individuals in need.

The follow-up process includes home visits by trained police officers and recovery coaches who offer support, resources, and help individuals access treatment. PCO also provides resource packets with up-to-date information, tailored to specific needs, for individuals and families.

February 21, 2023 – Training- Making Drug Seizure Data Actionable

On February 21st, PAARI led a webinar with Stephanie Rubel ( Director of Opioid Rapid Response for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) & Dr. Bradley Ray ( RTI International) as they present emerging research around market disruptions in the illegal and illicit markets.

January 31, 2023 – PAARI Partner Spotlight- Families Against Narcotics / Hope Not Handcuffs Michigan

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.

October 24, 2022 – Massachusetts Opioid Settlement Funds Webinar

August 18, 2022 – PAARI 101

Our monthly webinar, an opportunity for individuals and departments to hear more about the history of non-arrest deflection models, PAARI’s partners’ programs, and the benefits of joining PAARI.