Substance Use Disorder Resources for the Scituate Community
Deaths from opioid overdoses continue across Massachusetts. Unintentional overdoses often occur when an individual returns to use after a period of abstinence, or, increasingly, because the substance ingested contains illicit fentanyl, an extremely strong opioid. A comprehensive response is required to combat a problem which, too often, hits close to home. We would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of several supports that are available in the face of this public health threat. Feel free to contact Annmarie Galvin with questions: agalvin@scituatema.gov.
Nasal naloxone –commonly called Narcan – is a prescription drug that is used to stop an opioid overdose. All Scituate first responders are equipped with this life-saving medicine, and residents are encouraged to always call 911 if an overdose is suspected. Narcan is also available to anyone who might be a bystander to an overdose in Massachusetts. If a member of your household has a history of opioid dependence, including those in recovery, you are strongly encouraged to carry Narcan. It is now available without a prescription at Scituate Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy on Cole Parkway, and at other Walgreen’s and Rite Aid locations. You may call ahead for a “standing order naloxone prescription” which will be covered through your own insurance co-payment, no doctor required. Alternatively, confidential kits are available through the Department of Public Health. Please see www.scituateFACTS.org for complete South Shore listing. An overdose prevention training with Manet Community Health is planned for Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Scituate Council on Aging, 27 Brook Street, Scituate. Free kits will be available confidentially, and volunteers will be available to answer treatment questions.
For two year, the Scituate Police Department has been part of an innovative program to assist residents who have survived a non-fatal overdose, or have been involved in another substance related police emergency, since May 2015. As part of collaboration between Scituate FACTS and South Shore Peer Recovery, individuals who are in personal recovery have assertively helped more than 90 Scituate families to access treatment and support for substance use.
Remember, there is no need to wait for a medical or police emergency. Help is available to access treatment. Individuals with substance use disorders, family members, and concerned significant others may visit a community resource office in Scituate Harbor for free, confidential assistance. Peer Support Specialists and treatment professionals will be on hand on a drop in basis every Saturday morning from 9:00am-12:00pm to help anyone to access treatment, sober housing, insurance, counseling, or other support services. On the first Saturday of each month, overdose prevention and Narcan kits will also be available at this location through Manet Community Health Care (next dates for Narcan: August 5 and September 2). This walk-in resource is open to all communities. Please check the South Shore Peer Recovery website for additional office hours and a calendar of free recovery support services: www.southshorepeerrecovery.com.
The entire family unit is impacted by addiction. Support groups help us know that we are not alone, and can also provide some practical tools for supporting a loved one in their recovery. Scituate Public Schools offers a variety of groups for students during the school year. A family education and support meeting is available year-round in the community. A clinician from Gosnold Treatment Centers facilitates the Reaching Out group for parents and family members every Sunday, from 11:00am-12:30pm at the Scituate Council on Aging, 27 Brook Street, Scituate Harbor. All communities are welcome. An additional resource for family members is available at www.alliesinrecovery.net. Use your zip code to create a private account for free online training.
The Town of Scituate has led the response to the opioid epidemic on the South Shore, with innovative programming in our schools and community, but our work is not done. The ongoing support of the entire community is needed. Please consider getting involved with our community coalition, Scituate FACTS, and supporting the local non-profit recovery community organization, South Shore Peer Recovery. A volunteer meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, from 7:00-8:30pm at the W.P.A. Building, 7 Henry Turner Bailey Road, for those who would like to get involved in positive change. An Overdose Awareness Vigil is planned for sunrise on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 5:30am at the Scituate Lighthouse, 100 Lighthouse Road. Please join friends and neighbors to remember the loved ones we have lost.
Upcoming events at a glance:
Free Narcan Trainings:
Community Meeting/Volunteer Opportunities:
Overdose Awareness Vigil:
Every August Sunrise Vigil at the Scituate Lighthouse, 100 Lighthouse Road, Scituate Harbor.
Ongoing Support:
South Shore Peer Recovery Drop-In Center – Saturdays, 9:00am-12:00pm, 50 Cole Parkway, 2nd floor, Scituate Harbor.
Gosnold Family Education & Support Meeting – Sundays, 11:00am-12:30pm, Council on Aging, 27 Brook Street, Scituate.
Interface Mental Health Referral Service – Free to Scituate residents to be matched with an individual counselor – 888 -244-6843.