Essex County Outreach is pleased to announce the launch of a new website that puts resources for those battling substance use disorder or mental and behavioral issues right at the fingertips of Essex County residents.
Essex County Outreach is a collaborative effort between all 34 Essex County police departments, the Essex County Sheriff, and partners at social service agencies, peer specialists and others to support those battling substance abuse and mental and behavioral health issues.
The initiative uses the Critical Incident Management System database to identify those in the community who are at high-risk or experienced an overdose, and then works with substance use disorder professionals, law enforcement, licensed clinicians, social workers, and recovery coaches to reach out to the individuals ideally within 72 hours with the purpose of assisting them in receiving supports.
The website, https://essexcountyoutreach.com, features detailed information on harm reduction, treatment options, and other resources available to those in need. It also includes a news blog and easy-to-use links to the organization’s Facebook page. Additionally, the website provides resources and tools for family members, friends, veterans, and employers.
Program Director Dani Sinclair, an employee of Newburyport Police, created the program and will serve as its director.
“I want to thank Newburyport Police Chief Marshal Murray for his leadership on this issue and for his work to help obtain grant funding, as well as all of the Essex County Chiefs who have joined us in seeking to provide proactive pathways to treatment and recovery for those struggling in our communities,” Director Sinclair said. “Our mission is to collectively work with partners to help navigate individuals to the services they need, and we hope this website and the resources it details makes that process a little easier.”
The website was designed by John Guilfoil Public Relations Web Developer & Project Manager Kristen Potter and Website Specialist Katelyn Goddard.