Methuen Police Department
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire Street • Methuen, Massachusetts 01844
TELEPHONE (978) 983-8801 • FAX (978) 725-7804
Stephen N. Zanni
Mayor
Joseph E. Solomon
Chief of Police
Methuen Police Department C.A.R.E.S.
(Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services)
In response to the Public Health Epidemic of opiate abuse and overdose, Mayor Stephen N. Zanni and Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon are prepared to address the multidimensional effects that substance abuse has on families and the community.
Mayor Zanni and Chief Joseph Solomon implemented the Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services (C.A.R.E.S) Initiative in October of 2015. The C.A.R.E.S Mission integrates public safety in collaboration with public health to increase quality of life and well-being in our community by reducing the level of harm active substance users have caused themselves, their family and their communities. This public safety initiative addresses the public health epidemic of addiction by raising awareness and reducing recidivism rates of substance use and crime.
The expert professionals of Methuen’s C.A.R.E.S Initiative have been addressing multiple facets of our Public Health epidemic of addiction. This paradigm shift with law enforcement and C.A.R.E.S Initiative has the potential to delay the onset of substance use among school aged children, educate parents, reduce crimes associated with substance abusers, reduce overdose related 911 calls, increase the utilization of recovery resources and services, reduce stigma associated with substance use and crime and increase pro-social events in the community. C.A.R.E.S Initiative has three major components; provide recovery resources throughout the continuum of treatment; educate the community about addiction and recovery options and outreach to high risk populations. The strategic goals are to increase the utilization of recovery resources and increase community awareness, decrease high risk criminal behavior, increase community engagement and pro-social events, reduce stigma associated with substance abuser and individuals that break the law while under the influence of substances or in pursuit of obtaining substances. Allocating additional resources to this initiative will increase the likelihood of exceeding the strategic goals and provide a comprehensive model for other communities to implement.
Our Community Engagement Specialists are trained to educate multiple populations as addiction does not discriminate. If you, a family member or friend would like more information:
Community Engagement Specialist Community Engagement Specialist
Jennifer Burns, MA Jacquelyn Ingersoll, Alcohol & Drug Counselor
1-978-701-7782 1-978-701-8195
Jennifer A. Burns, MA. Is a Community Psychologist who began her career working with individuals diagnosed with addictive disorders and mental health diagnosis in 2006. During her career she has worked with multiple populations and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. In 2011, she was trained as a recovery coach and facilitator and worked with individual’s re-integrating into their communities after incarceration. She also, advocated and educated policy makers about the value and importance of passing the 911 Good Samaritan bill. She began her graduate studies in 2012 and began working on community interventions and prevention models in schools and corrections, at that time she developed educational modules and enhanced her skills with grant writing, program development and evaluation. In 2013, she co-founded M.V.P.A.S.A.P, and was fundamental in event planning and community engagement. In 2014, Ms. Burns received her Master’s Degree in Community Social Psychology, and is a trained facilitator for Moral Reconation Therapy, a model used in corrections; she was hired as a Program Director of a Recovery Center in Lawrence where she is mastering her skills managing a fiscal budget. Throughout her career she has attended numerous trainings, including neurobiology of addiction, ethical considerations for recovery coaches, Trauma Informed Care, Crisis Intervention, Drug Court and Treatment, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Competency, Positive Psychology, Sensitivity and De-escalation Trainings. She also is an adjunct faculty Middlesex Community College for the Alcohol and Addictions Certificate Program. Jennifer is enthusiastic about developing and implementing the C.A.R.E.S Initiative with Methuen Police Department and the City of Methuen.
Jacquelyn Ingersoll, is an Alcohol Drug Counselor who began her career in the Trial Court in Cambridge. She was inspired to go back to school, as she wanted to help individuals before their addiction landed them cycling through judicial system. She obtained her Alcohol and Drug Certificate, then she began working with women who were in a transitional phase in their lives, some of the women were still incarcerated, though were able to begin reintegrating into their communities. Mrs. Ingersoll has participated in numerous crisis interventions and is trauma informed. She has also facilitated relapse prevention groups and assisted clients with community networking, and making a successful transition back into their communities after being incarcerated. Jacquelyn has been trained to administer nasal narcan and is well versed navigating the continuum of care in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is passionate about substance abuse recovery and is enthusiastic about developing and implementing the C.A.R.E.S. Initiative with Methuen Police Department and the City of Methuen.
Please feel free to call either specialist with any questions or concerns in reference to substance abuse, treatment and recovery options.
Methuen Police Department C.A.R.E.S Initiative
Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services
Chief Joseph E. Solomon
October 2015
Statement of Problem:
The number of overdose deaths is steadily rising and the Public Health Epidemic of Opiate overdose has raised concerns across the board, the topic of conversation among elected officials, police department, concerned parents and community members has been how can we work together to address this Public Health Epidemic in Methuen and Merrimack Valley.
In 2014, Methuen Police Department responded to eighty four overdoses and administered narcan eighty four times. As of today, the Department has responded to ninety-five overdoses and administered narcan ninety five times. It is projected that by the end of December, Methuen Police Department will have a seventy five percent increase of overdoses from the previous year.
Methuen Police Department is faced with a challenge as many individuals they encounter are New Hampshire residents, and providing access to services for these individuals posses a barrier due to their residency, lack of insurance and limited resources in their state of New Hampshire.
Historically, law enforcement’s focus is to assure that members of the community are abiding by the narcotics laws and proceed accordingly. Police Departments across the Commonwealth have now taken an initiative and forged relationships with experts and professionals outside of law enforcement to work collaboratively addressing the Opioid Public Health Epidemic.
In 2013, Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon began attending a proactive community group, which was comprised of elected officials, health professionals, school department, treatment agencies, concerned parents and individuals in recovery. These collaborative efforts have prompted the incubation of C.A.R.E.S (Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services) Initiative.
Strategic Goals:
1. Increase utilization of recovery resources
2. Increase community awareness
3. Decrease high risk behaviors
4. Increase Community Engagement and pro-social events
5. Reduce stigma associated with substance abusers and individuals that break the law during use of substances or in pursuit of obtaining substances
C.A.R.E.S Initiative has three major components:
1. Provide recovery referrals throughout the continuum of treatment
2. Educate the community about addiction and recovery options
3. Outreach to high risk populations
Overview:
The expert professionals of Methuen Police Department C.A.R.E.S Initiative will address the multi-dimensional Public Health Epidemic of Addiction from an empowerment strength based perspective. This initiative will address primary prevention, secondary and tertiary interventions by incorporating the core principals of the strength based perspective, by focusing on participant’s strengths, their resources and the ability to recover will increase participant’s self- awareness and growth. This paradigm shift in law enforcement has the potential to delay the onset of substance use among school aged children, educate parents, reduce crimes associated with substance abusers, reduce overdose related 911 calls, increase utilization of recovery resources and tools, increase community engagement, reduce stigma and increase pro-social events in the community.
Performance Measures:
All pertinent data will be tracked to include, though not limited to:
Ø Demographics
Ø Raw number of intake assessments
Ø Outcome of intervention
Ø Follow up of participant
Ø Raw number of participants at workshops and training events
Ø Evaluation survey
Ø Pre and Post evaluations
Ø Number of times Naloxone dispensed
Ø Number of times 911 is called for overdose (sometimes Methuen Fire or family dispenses narcan)
All C.A.R.E.S Initiative data will be tracked beginning November 1, 2015 and a comparative analysis will include historical data relative to overdoses in the community (fatal and non-fatal)
Per Order,
______
Chief Joseph E. Solomon Date
Methuen Police Department
C.A.R.E.S GOALS
LOGIC MODEL
GOAL 1: Provide Recovery ReferralsOBJECTIVE / ACTIVITIES/OUTPUTS / MEASURES / TIMELINE / SHORT-TERM OUTCOME
Assist individual seeking recovery to navigate systems of care. / Provide referrals, advocacy and guidance to participants. / Intake forms and release of information and Progress notes. / November 2015, re-evaluate participant at 6 months and quarterly Thereafter / 50% of all intakes are utilizing recovery resources.
GOAL 2: Educate the Community about Addiction and Recovery Options
OBJECTIVE / ACTIVITIES/OUTPUTS / MEASURES / TIMELINE / SHORT-TERM OUTCOME
Develop and facilitate community workshops and provide recovery resources and tools. / Develop brochures and resource guide for MPD website. Organize workshop, trainings and events. Surveys and Community Assessments. / Assessment survey data, attendance at workshops, events and trainings. / November 2015, re- evaluate initiative quarterly and proceed with changes as need. / Increase community awareness. Decrease Stigma
Increase Pro-social Community Activities.
GOAL 3: Outreach to High Risk Populations
OBJECTIVE / ACTIVITIES/OUTPUTS / MEASURES / TIMELINE / SHORT-TERM OUTCOME
Respond to individuals that have overdosed within 24 hours.
Assist arresting officers if arrestee is interested in treatment. / Attend to individuals that have overdosed at local hospitals or within 24 hours of overdose.
Provide referral to treatment if arrestee is eligible. / Intake and Assessments. / November 2015 re-evaluate participant at 6 months and quarterly thereafter. / 50% of high risk individuals are at a lower risk for overdose and have reduced high risk behaviors and increased pro-social behaviors.
C.A.R.E.S
Program Policy
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will provide emotional support and guidance to program participant.
Ø The Community Engagement Specialist will also assist participant during the C.A.R.E.S. intake initiative and throughout the process of accessing recovery resources.
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will also assist participant with navigating the systems of care and advocate for participant when necessary, for minimum of six months.
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will call an interested participant a total of three times, if there is still not a response back from interested persons, a note will be made on participants intake form.
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will be listed on the medical release waiver, so they can remain in contact with the participant through the recovery process.
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will notify Methuen Police Department of any issues or concerns that arise.
Ø Community Engagement Specialist will provide emotional support and guidance to concerned family members or friends and offer to create a crisis plan.
EXCEPTIONS
Participants seeking recovery resources from substance use disorder may be deemed ineligible to participate in the C.A.R.E.S Initiative if:
Ø There is an outstanding arrest warrant.
Ø They have drug-related convictions on their criminal record; including though not limited to possession with intent to distribute; trafficking or violation in a school zone.
Ø The officer on shift believes without a doubt that the Community Engagement Specialist could be seriously harmed by the participant.
Ø Individual is under 18, and does not have parental or guardian consent.
Ø The individual is experiencing withdrawal and or is in need of medical attention, or has a medical, physical or emotional condition that requires medical expertise. Individual will be immediately transported to Local Hospital
C.A.R.E.S Protocol
Ø Community Engagement Specialist (CES) receives referral from officers, hospital, community members, professionals, individuals and or family members seeking services.
o If referral decides to become a participant with C.A.R.E.S Initiative, CES will track participants progress for 6 months and follow up after 1 year
o If referral does not respond to outreach after 3 contact attempts have been made, CES will close case referral
Ø CES, will not transport individuals to any recovery related resources
o Safety (CES, may not know if participant has weapons, drugs or paraphernalia on them)
o Ethics (CES, must uphold Code of Ethics for Human Service Workers)
o CES, will accompany officer when needed
Ø CES, will uphold the integrity of Methuen Police Department and follow chain of command.
Ø CES, will provide community educational workshops and events
Ø CES, will continue to research best practices for pre-booking diversions
Ø CES, will research grants related to community diversion
Thank you,
______
Joseph E. Solomon
Chief of Police
C.A.R.E.S
Participant Agreement
I______, sign this waiver and release agreement of my own free will and understand that by doing so, I allow Methuen Police Department’s Community Engagement Specialists to assist me during my process of obtaining recovery resources. In addition, I also agree to be contacted in the future by C.A.R.E.S Initiative to inquire about my experience in the program. I understand that all information provided will be used by C.A.R.E.S Initiative to improve delivery of service and my name will not be used.
I also, agree to allow any and all treatment centers to update C.A.R.E.S Community Engagement Specialists on the status of my continuum of care and or other findings deemed necessary. The purpose of this collaboration is for data collection and will be used to evaluate the C.A.R.E.S. Initiative.
Furthermore, no known physical or mental condition will impair my capability in regards to participation in the Methuen Police Department’s C.A.R.E.S initiative.
I have thoroughly read these statements and in doing so waive any claims against any City of Methuen employees.