Combating Opiate Addiction A Plan of Action

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1 Arlington, Massachusetts Police Department Combating Opiate Addiction A Plan of Action Detoxification happens in private; Recovery happens in the community.

2 Arlington, Massachusetts Population: 42,844 Area: 5.5 sq mi 6 miles Northwest of Boston Median age: 41.7 years Median household income: $85,059 Settled in 1635 as Menotomy Birthplace of Samuel Wilson - Uncle Sam Site of the bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War

3 Arlington Model The Arlington Opiate Outreach Initiative Established July 1, 2015 Two-pronged approach Proactive outreach to substance users Community education and awareness to reduce the stigma Actively dispense nasal Naloxone at station or during home visits as requested Partner with interventionists and treatment facilities to aid in the process of recovery Further access to drug take back initiatives for unused prescriptions Treatment not jail approach

4 Inspired by the: Gloucester Model The Gloucester Angel Initiative Established June 1, 2015 Any person who enters the police station seeking help for their addiction to opiates will be immediately screened into the ANGEL Program Drugs and equipment can be turned in ANGEL volunteer is assigned as a guide through process Officers and ANGELs assist with detox bed and treatment facility search P.A.A.R.I. Partnership Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative Established in June 2015 by Gloucester Police Chief Len Campanello and John Rosenthal, a community activist Source of funding and resources for departments Chief Ryan of APD is a board member

5 Arlington Model Program Goals Reduce the number of opiate overdoses in the community by: Training and dispensing Naloxone; Providing treatment resources (inpatient & outpatient); Providing medication/pharmaceutical assisted treatment resources; Reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders; Empowering family members of substance users through meetings; Educating medical doctors and dentists about over-prescribing of opiates; Community prescription drug take back days and 24/7 drug kiosk; Collaboration with Arlington Youth Health and Safety Coalition to educate our school aged community members about substance abuse.

6 Two-Pronged Approach Arlington Opiate Outreach Initiative Outreach phone call or visit after an overdose or referral through community policing/community events Education/Awareness

7 Outreach After an overdose occurs, follow up with anyone listed on the report including substance user and loved ones. Request a meeting to assess needs. Offer assistance to get into treatment (detox bed searches, offering transportation) Offer Naloxone to substance user, family, friends and/or roommates. Offer home visit or schedule a visit. Suggest Vivitrol through partner Square Medical (provide transportation). Invite to Arlington ACTS meeting (offer transportation). Educate about the Section 35 process. Follow up as needed.

8 Education/Awareness Arlington A.C.T.S. (Addiction Community Training and Support) monthly community meetings where information is provided on: Outpatient/inpatient levels of care Detoxification programs Medical/pharmaceutical assisted treatment Resources for family support Mental health professionals Certified substance abuse interventionist On-site training/distribution of Naloxone Access to Veteran Services personnel Speakers sharing stories of recovery Educational speakers Community Awareness Events: Forums, Candle Light Vigils, Narcan Night Local Media: Cable, Online News (Patch, Wicked Local), Local Newspapers, Boston Globe, Social Media, Town Website, State Without StigMA billboard campaign Prevention initiatives through Arlington Youth Health & Safety Coalition

9 Drug Take-Back Initiative Our first action to combating the epidemic Host bi-annual DEA Drug Take-Back day Door to door take-back in senior housing Prescription drug kiosk available 24/7 in police lobby Outreach to realtors in town to prevent prescription drugs being taken during open houses and showings

10 Clinician Role Outreach to substance users Intake form Train and dispense Naloxone Monthly community meetings Educate community through events Support to family and friends Secure partnerships with treatment facilities Arrange transportation for events and treatment Treatment recommendations and referrals Detox bed search Track data Follow up Provide support upon homecoming

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12 Arlington MA Heroin Statistics

13 Regional Effects Middlesex County Massachusetts

14 AOOI Sanctioned Partners

15 New Additions to Program EMERGENCY ROOM DISCHARGE PLANNING To prevent the ball being dropped at the ER after an overdose when the patient wants to leave and the ER wants them to leave. We now meet with ER supervisors and staff to develop ways to be part of the discharge planning and/or get someone (a volunteer) in to the ER to assist during these situations. WALK-IN HOURS Having set times every week, for example Tuesdays from 10AM-2PM, at an off site location, where people can access resources and treatment. COMING HOME DAY PROGRAM Creating partnerships with detox facilities and having volunteers meet with people on the day they are discharged. Crucial to have a support plan in place since true recovery happens in the community. SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATIONAL BOOTHS Our team sets up informational booths with resources at school sponsored events, Town Day, weekly Farmer s Market and other community gatherings.

16 Replicating the Arlington Model 1. Create Partnerships : Inventory all your potential resources; Health & human services, school department, local detox facilities, local emergency departments, local needle exchange/harm reduction centers, local treatment providers, pharmaceutical assisted treatment centers 2. Harm Reduction Partner with local harm reduction programs who may be willing to educate your community and distribute Naloxone. Find your state s policy on Naloxone and the distribution of it. 3. Educate the Public Hold public information forums. Use the communication systems available from local cable and newspapers to your town s web site and social media to educate your community about opiate misuse and treatment. Hold drug take back days or arrange for pick up. 4. Assertive Outreach Regardless of funding or asset availability departments should have the means to provide basic outreach to substance users or loved ones. This can start through phone calls and home visits. 5. Referrals Utilize town/city employees to make calls to treatment centers if you are unable to hire or get volunteers to assist. Departments may also ask Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or similar groups to help. 6. Treatment If you find it difficult to readily access anti-opiate treatment, a possible solution is to develop relationships with local Alcohol Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous, and/or Learn to Cope chapters which can provide support. by: Rebecca Wolfe, M.Ed. Clinical Responder, Arlington Police Department

17 Questions? For More Information Visit: Arlington Police Department: PAARI: Contact: Captain Richard Flynn