For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

EB HOPE Reports Successful Substance Abuse Drop-In Center Sessions, Expands Model

EAST BRIDGEWATER — EB HOPE Founder Susan Silva and Police Chief John Cowan are pleased to announce that the EB HOPE Substance Abuse Drop-In Center sessions continue to help those struggling with the disease of addiction, and have been so successful that the towns of Franklin and Wrentham have implemented similar initiatives in their communities.

In November 2015, EB HOPE began the first of its bi-monthly drop-in center sessions, which were created to proactively assist people suffering from substance use disorders and their family and friends.

The largest growing number of people assisted through EB HOPE has been through the non drop-in center hours, where officials receive a call on the EB HOPE phone line, or at the East Bridgewater police station, with someone looking for treatment. Officers are then able to follow up with the caller. So far, they have placed 29 people into treatment during non drop-in center hours.

From the first meeting on Nov. 5 to May 15, a total of 218 people, ranging from 20 years old to over 80 years old, have been assisted through the drop-in sessions or non drop-in hours. Out of that number, 48 individuals have seen a licensed clinician and 72 have received Narcan training from representatives at Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc. (BAMSI), Learn to Cope and/or Brockton Area Opioid Abuse Overdose Collaborative

The next drop-in center will be held on Thursday, May 19, from 5-9 p.m. at the East Bridgewater Community Covenant Church, 400 Pleasant St.

“What we have learned is getting residents into detox, although extremely important, is just the first step,” Chief Cowan said. “We are learning that following up with individuals and family members is critical to individuals getting into long-term recovery.”

Given the success of the drop-in center, officials in Wrentham and Franklin have replicated the model. East Bridgewater is also working with stakeholders in Plymouth to help organize a drop-in center in their community, which would run on opposite weeks of East Bridgewater’s sessions to ensure coverage throughout the region and every month.

“In just six months we have truly been able to make a positive difference in hundreds of lives,” Chief Cowan said. “We are thrilled to see our counterparts in Wrenthan, Franklin and Plymouth working with us to help individuals in their communities and counties receive the assistance they need to recover from their addiction.”

With each drop-in session, the list of partner groups and organizations increases. East Bridgewater is currently working with High Point Treatment Center, Spectrum Healthcare, AdCare Hospital, Norcap Lodge, Teen Challenge, Learn to Cope, Brockton Area Opioid Abuse Overdose Collaborative, BAMSI, East Bridgewater Council on Aging, AA, NA, Al-Anon, a licensed clinician on staff through Whitman Counseling/BAMSI, Health Imperatives of Brockton, Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery, Stairway to Recovery and Satori Waters in Florida.

Additionally, the East Bridgewater Police Department now has its own notification alert system, where anyone can register online through the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department to receive alerts on the EB HOPE program through email, text messages and phone messages.

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