Below are some social media posts that Plymouth County Outreach has put together for departments who have seen upticks in fatal overdoses. This is a great way to inform the community and open the door for questions and support.
“What is An At-Risk Referral?”
The Plymouth County Outreach (PCO) Teams go out to offer support and resources after an overdose occurs, but this isn’t the only way to access PCO. Plymouth County Outreach also helps individuals who may be misusing a substance and are at risk of an overdose or would like assistance navigating treatment options. This includes individuals in recovery who may want to explore a different pathway or access additional resources and support from a peer. An at-risk individual can be identified through self-disclose, referred by a family member or loved one. PCO utilizes peer recovery coaches, people in recovery themselves who are always happy to connect and assist however they can.
If you or a loved one is looking for assistance from PCO and their outreach team you can do so by calling any of our county Police Departments and asking to speak with a Plymouth County Outreach Officer or by contacting our civilian team through our website www.plymouthcountyoutreach.org, Facebook page (Plymouth County Outreach), or by phone at (774) 434-5072.
“We’re Here to Help.”
Plymouth County Outreach (PCO) is a multi-faceted collaboration of the 27 municipal police departments in Plymouth County, as well as Bridgewater State University Police Department, working together with Recovery Coaches and community organizations and coalitions to make treatment, resources, and harm reduction tools more accessible to those living with substance use disorder and their loved ones. Our goal is to provide compassionate, judgment-free support while reducing overdose fatalities.
PCO is here to support you. We have a full team of Recovery Coaches with lived experience ready and able to help you. Whether you need Narcan, assistance accessing resources, or just someone to talk to, please, reach out. Visit the connect page on our website, reach out through any of our social media, or call (774) 434-5072.
“Where Can I Get Narcan?”
Narcan is a lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Everyone should carry Narcan, regardless of whether you know someone with a substance use disorder. Overdoses can happen anywhere… at home, at the store, in the parking lot, in a bathroom or in a car. The Good Samaritan Law protects those who in good faith call 911 in the event of an overdose unless you have a warrant or enough drugs to be considered trafficking.
If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving free Narcan, reach out to Plymouth County Outreach and they will get some to you, no questions asked. Visit their website at www.plymouthcountyoutreach.org and reach out through the connect page or call (774) 434-5103. Narcan is a standing order, and you can obtain it at your local pharmacy without a prescription for the cost of your co-pay.
“Looking for substance use resources, harm reduction tools, and support?”
Harm reduction is a set of practices that aim to reduce the impacts and harms of substance use. Utilizing these practices helps to make substance use safer and less harmful to the person using it and the community around them. Harm reduction practices do not condone or promote drug use, but rather acknowledge that drug use is happening and aims to keep people alive until they are ready to engage in treatment.
Plymouth County Outreach supplies Narcan, fentanyl test strips, harm reduction kits (which include first aid supplies, Narcan, fentanyl test strips, condoms, personal sharps containers, and other resources), homeless improvement kits (which include hygiene products, gloves, hats, blankets, condoms, first aid supplies, and other resources) free of charge. If you or anyone you know could benefit from any of these items, please reach out through their website www.plymouthcountyoutreach.org by visiting the connect page, or call (774) 434-510.
“Coffee with a Recovery Coach” (Both options)
Are you or a loved one struggling with substance use disorder? Do you have questions about substance use, available resources, or support? Do you have a child who has been affected by substance use? Or are you a community member who is interested in carrying Narcan?
Contact the Police Department about when a Plymouth County Outreach Recovery Coach will be available and receive free resources, Narcan, harm reduction tools, support, and coffee!
Visit the Plymouth County Outreach website at www.plymouthcountyoutreach.org and reach out through the connect page or call (774) 434-5103.