WARWICK – The Burrillville Addiction Assistance Program was recognized for their work in addressing the local overdose epidemic at the 2019 Community Overdose Engagement Summit this week.
The program, run through the Burrillville Police Department by Coordinator Michelle Harter, recently graduated 26 new “Recovery Coaches,” trained in how to help others dealing with, or recovering from, addiction.
The event, dubbed “Bending the Curve,” highlighted local response efforts and recognized those involved for addressing the public health issue.
Harter was featured in a video highlighting innovative approaches to addressing addiction and recovery across the state.
“Up here in the north west part of the state we’re not fortunate enough to have public transportation,” she noted, pointing to the coach program as a solution to help those seeking treatment.
“The town of Burrillville has demonstrated apt leadership and laudable commitment to shifting the misperception of addiction by promoting prevention, treatment, recovery and rescue,” noted the Certificate of Recognition signed by Gov. Gina Raimondo. “Even more admirably, this work is underpinned by Burrillville’s dedication to saving the lives of Rhode Islanders.”
Some 300 people from across the state attended the event, held on Tuesday, June 25 at Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick.
