First, thank you for taking the time to read our March recap. It is always the priority to thank our community partners, first responders, service providers, and dedicated ECO team for all of the hard work. Your continued collaboration and commitment make it possible for us to deliver recovery support and resources to individuals and families across Essex County.
Every outreach, referral, and follow-up reflects the collective effort behind this work. Whether the need is immediate or long-term, your partnership helps ensure that people know they are not alone and that support is always within reach.
If you know someone in Essex County who is seeking recovery services, or a family member who needs help supporting a loved one, please contact us at 978-961-7388.
RESOURCES AND SERVICES DATA MARCH 2026
Throughout March, ECO worked closely with local police departments, clinicians, mental health supports, treatment facility teams, and community partners to provide recovery-focused services to both housed and unhoused residents throughout Essex County. Below is a snapshot of our activity for the month.
Rides Provided: PAUSED
Transportation remains a major barrier for many individuals seeking treatment or recovery supports. Typically, ECO offers rides to recovery-related destinations including detox facilities, inpatient and outpatient programs, medical appointments, hospitals, court appearances, AA/NA meetings, and more. Please note that our voucher program is currently paused.
Sober Living Scholarships Provided 2025-2026: 70
As of March 2026, ECO has supported 70 unique individuals with sober living scholarships, totaling $35,250 in awarded funds throughout 2025.
We are deeply grateful to our sober home partners for their ongoing dedication to maintaining safe, supportive, and recovery-centered living environments for those taking critical steps forward in their recovery journeys.
Outreaches Conducted: 130
ECO Recovery Coaches conducted 130 outreaches during March. Outreach efforts take place in a variety of settings, including street-based outreach, shelters and transitional housing, community events and service projects, alongside local police departments, and other community-based locations.
Clients Who Accepted Services: 93
Out of the 130 in-person outreaches conducted in March, 93 individuals accepted services. This figure does not capture individuals who initially declined services but later reconnected with ECO weeks or months afterward. We see this outcome frequently as trust and readiness develop over time.
Follow-Ups and Client Engagements: 407
Following initial outreach, ECO places strong emphasis on continued engagement. Our Recovery Coaches conduct follow-ups to ensure individuals are successfully connected to treatment, housing, benefits, recovery supports, and other essential services.
In March, ECO recorded 407 follow-ups and client engagements. This number reflects each individual interaction, meaning a single client may account for multiple engagements. Long-term connection remains a cornerstone of our approach, and many clients continue working with ECO well beyond their first contact.
Please note that not all regional data for March 2026 is reflected above. The figures provided are estimates intended to offer a general snapshot and may not capture all activity.
MARCH EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
ECO is grateful for the many opportunities to connect with local police departments, community partners, and residents throughout the months of the year. What you’ll see below are just a few highlights from March. There’s much more we’ve been up to! For additional events, updates, and news, be sure to visit our Facebook page.
Understanding Addiction Series | Essex County | March 2026
This month, ECO continued to participate in the 6-week Understanding Addiction series led by Michelle Simons and Gina Rabbitt, sponsored by the Swampscott Health Department and Marblehead Health Department.
Throughout the series, our team has had the opportunity to deepen our understanding of addiction, recovery, and the intersection of mental health. Each session created space for honest conversation, education, and reflection, reinforcing the importance of meeting individuals where they are and approaching this work with empathy and openness.
This series brought together individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including those in recovery, those supporting loved ones, and community members looking to better understand substance use. Being part of these conversations continues to strengthen ECO’s commitment to informed, compassionate care and meaningful community connection.
At-Risk/HUB Meetings for Providers | Essex County | March 2026
Each month, our team regularly participates in both hub meetings and at-risk meetings across the county as part of our ongoing coordination efforts. Hub meetings bring together a range of community partners, including behavioral health providers, law enforcement, schools, and social services, to collaboratively identify and support individuals at elevated risk. These meetings, considered “multi-disciplinary coordination meetings,” allow for real-time information sharing, coordinated outreach, and the development of unified response strategies.
In addition, we attend at-risk meetings, which are more focused, team-based discussions centered on individuals who may be at heightened risk for relapse, overdose, or other adverse outcomes. Together, these meetings play a critical role in ensuring that vulnerable individuals are identified early, connected to appropriate resources, and supported through a coordinated, community-based approach.