Overdose program yielding good results

CRANSTON – With an epidemic of overdoses across the state in the first part of the year, the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and the Anchor Recovery Community Center have developed a hospital-focused initiative using recovery coaches in emergency departments to reach out to overdose victims.

To date, 89 percent of overdose survivors have been seen by recovery coaches, also known as peer-to-peer counselors. Of 80 survivors, just 30 had been in treatment previously and 23 had had a prior overdose. The program strives to get survivors started on the path to recovery. The BHDDH believes the program to be the first of its kind in the country.

BHDDH director Craig Stenning helped launch the hospital partnership in July after Kent Hospital began the original program. Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital quickly followed suit.

“This unique program is reaching and changing people,” Stenning said. “This is about saving lives rather than counting deaths.”

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