We’re back with the September recap. A sincere thank-you to our collaborators and team for the consistent, meaningful work you do to bring services and resources to people and families across the county who need them.
If you know someone in Essex County who needs recovery support or services, or a family member who needs help supporting a loved one, please reach out to us at 978-961-7388.
RESOURCES AND SERVICES DATA SEPTEMBER 2025
This past month, ECO collaborated with local police departments and community partners to deliver services and resources to Essex County residents, including both housed and unhoused individuals. Below is a snapshot of our activity for September 2025.
Rides provided: 5
For clients who cannot access services or resources due to transportation barriers, ECO offers rides to destinations such as detox, inpatient/outpatient treatment, clinics, AA/NA meetings, hospitals, court, doctor’s appointments, and other recovery-related sites. This month, ride requests were lower than usual. Please spread the word if you know someone who needs a ride to treatment or a recovery-related appointment.
If you would like to apply for a ride voucher, please request an application through our contact form or get in touch with one of our Recovery Coaches.
Scholarships provided in 2025: 70
As of this month, ECO has provided 70 unique individuals with sober living scholarships, totaling $35,250 in awarded funds. We want to thank our sober home partners for all of the work they do creating a safe and sober space for those who need it.
Outreaches conducted: 271
ECO conducts outreaches in person, alongside police officers, at shelters, on the street, in the community, at community events, through service projects, etc. This month, we have full representation in data from all of our coaches. It’s great to see the work they’ve done.
Clients who accepted services: 144
Out of 271 physical outreaches conducted in the month of September, 144 clients accepted services, which is over 50%. This does not account for the number of individuals who initially decline services, but circle back weeks or months later to connect and get support.
Follow-ups/client engagements: 537
After an initial outreach, ECO follows up to engage with clients and ensures they are properly connected to services and resources. It is our hope that clients will utilize ECO Recovery Coaches long-term; in many cases, this happens. Due to the hard work of our team and collaborative efforts, we consistently have high numbers of follow-ups and engagements. Please note, this number includes each unique engagement had with clients.
Please note that the data presented represents estimates intended to provide a general snapshot and may not account for all activity.
SEPTEMBER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ECO had a full and engaging month of events in September, and we are deeply grateful for the many opportunities to connect with local police departments, community partners, and residents. From participating in candlelight vigils honoring lives lost to substance use, to attending resource fairs, September was filled with meaningful interactions that strengthened community ties.
Each event allowed ECO staff to share information about recovery services, provide support and resources, and engage in conversations that promote wellness, resilience, and understanding throughout our communities. We value these partnerships and look forward to continuing our collaborative work to support public safety, mental health, and substance use recovery.
What you’ll see below are just a few highlights from the month. There’s much more we’ve been up to! For additional events, updates, and news, be sure to visit our Facebook page.
Community Connections | Salem, MA | September 18th, 2025
On September 18th, ECO and Salem PD teamed up for Community Connections, a resource fair designed to bring vital services and information directly to the community. The event provided an opportunity for residents to connect with local organizations, support services, and public safety resources all in one place.
Attendees explored a range of mental health, substance use, employment, and other support services, while also engaging with police officers, outreach workers, and community advocates in a welcoming environment. The fair created a space where community members could ask questions, learn about available programs, and build connections.
Ipswich Aware Candlelight Vigil | Ipswich, MA | September 25th, 2025 |
On September 25, staff from ECO joined the community at Ascension Memorial Church’s Boone Hall for a candlelight vigil hosted by Ipswich Aware. The event offered a space for reflection, remembrance of those we’ve lost, and community support, with attendees invited to light memorial candles and share stories about loved ones.
Speakers included Tracy Comeau-Beedle, who shared the story of her 28-year-old daughter who passed in 2022, and Ari Nicolaou, who spoke about his personal recovery journey and his work supporting individuals with substance use disorders.
ECO, along with North Shore Health Project’s ONESTOP program and Learn to Cope, shared information and materials about treatment and recovery resources. Narcan distribution and sharps disposal were also available on-site, reflecting the critical role of harm reduction in preventing overdose deaths.
According to Ipswich public health officials, there were 30 overdose deaths in Ipswich between 2016 and 2024, and it is estimated that 95% of individuals county-wide who survive opioid overdoses do so because Narcan was administered. ECO’s presence at the vigil reinforced its commitment to supporting families, raising awareness, and connecting community members with resources to prevent further loss. We always appreciate Ipswich Aware and the work they do.
Lynnfield Night of Hope | Lynnfield, MA | September 28th, 2025
ECO participated in Lynnfield Night of Hope, an annual community event dedicated to raising awareness about substance use, recovery, and mental health. The evening brings together individuals, families, and local organizations to honor those in recovery, remember loved ones lost, and celebrate the power of hope and resilience.
The event featured personal stories, community resources, and opportunities for connection, emphasizing the importance of support networks and reducing the stigma around addiction and mental health challenges. ECO staff were on hand to provide information about local services, answer questions, and engage with attendees.
Lynnfield Night of Hope reflects the community’s commitment to building understanding, offering support, and fostering hope for all individuals affected by substance use and mental health challenges. We want to thank the Dalton family for allowing us to be part of it.
PTSD911 Screening and Panel Discussion | Beverly, MA | September 29th, 2025
On September 29th, ECO attended a screening of the acclaimed documentary PTSD911, hosted by the NE Essex County CIT-TTAC. The film explores the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers, highlighting the often unseen toll of trauma.
Following the screening, attendees participated in a Q&A panel featuring mental health professionals, first responders, and peer support advocates. One of ECO’s own, Steve Heald, was part of this panel. The resounding message of the evening is that there are resources out there for first responders, and you are not alone.
ECO’s attendance supports the goals of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA), which aims to expand access to mental health services and promote wellness among public safety professionals. Staff members found the event both informative and impactful, reinforcing ECO’s commitment to community partnerships that support mental health awareness, recovery, and wellness.