Portsmouth, NH.
In partnership with Portsmouth Regional Hospital, the Portsmouth Police Department is announcing the first Community Access to Recovery Day on July 12, 2014. The Seacoast community, along with many other communities across the State of New Hampshire have experienced a significant increase in narcotic related incidents such as, over doses, crime and even deaths. Narcotic use is statistically on the rise, and historically the role of law enforcement has been to attack the drug epidemic through strong enforcement and school-based educational programs. We will continue to use traditional enforcement strategies, but we seek to supplement those strategies with an approach that recognizes the difficulty that those addicted face in getting off of opiates such as Heroin and its’ prescription drug equivalents.
In recognizing that opiate addiction is not only a criminal justice problem, but also a significant community health problem, the Police Department has collaborated with Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Seacoast Mental Health, Hampstead Hospital, Southeastern Services, and other community providers to coordinate a day where those affected by drug abuse can come to receive information on available services and resources in their community.
When and Where:
Saturday July 12, 2014 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, main entrance, look for signs.
Who:
An open invitation to those in the Seacoast community affected by drug addiction. Those who are actively battling addiction and need resources. Friends and Family members who wish to learn more about the resources available for their loved ones.
Cost: FREE
Coffee and Light refreshments will be available.
Services:
Counselors will be on hand to assist those looking to find help, this help could range from finding out where to receive individual/group counseling and support, to those who need to be admitted into a residential treatment program to begin their recovery process. While admission into residential treatment may be warranted it cannot be guaranteed. Facilitators on hand will work to provide participants with the knowledge and resources necessary to take the next steps towards their recovery, or to provide friends and family with resources to assist them in helping their loved ones.
Members of community groups such as Seacoast Mental Health, Seacoast Public Health Network; Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention, Hampstead Hospital, Sexual Assault Support Services, Southeastern New Hampshire Services, Families First, and others will be present to provide resources.
On site will be an “Amnesty Box” where attendees are encouraged to bring any illicit or prescription drugs or paraphernalia to be turned in anonymously with no questions asked. Items such as drugs, needles, spoons, smoking pipes, bongs, etc. may all be turned in and will be disposed of by local law enforcement. In an effort to make the Seacoast a safer drug free community, no one turning in drugs or paraphernalia at this event, between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, will be prosecuted by law enforcement.
This effort is one prong of our communities approach to reduce drug use and provide those affected with the resources necessary to take the next step in achieving freedom from substance abuse.