Ferndale Police Program to Follow Up with Help for Those Who Overdose
(City of Ferndale, Sept. 14, 2020)
Ferndale, MI -The Ferndale Police department is proud to announce a joint partnership with Families Against Narcotics (FAN) and the creation of: FAN COMEBACK Quick Response Team.
This new initiative is made possible by a $90,000 federal grant that Families Against Narcotics obtained to assist individuals struggling with addiction because of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The Quick Response Team (QRT) is a three-member unit consisting of a police officer, peer recovery coach, and family recovery coach. Within 72 hours of a non-fatal drug overdose, this team “comes back“ to the home where a first responder previously assisted with the life-threatening event.
The team’s objective is to make contact with the individual who has overdosed, as well as their family. The team will offer information, support, and assistance in obtaining recovery services in addition to connecting them with community resources.
“We understand that Narcan is a great tool that saves lives, but it can act as a band-aid. It’s not a long term fix and we need to be able to get back to these individuals when they have a clear head with a group of professionals that are ready to help and offer services immediately. When the program was presented to us we jumped on the opportunity and are glad to be a part of this.” said Ferndale Chief of Police Vincent Palazzolo.
This model has had significant success in other locations, like Huntington, West Virginia, where overdose ambulance runs were reduced by 40% in one year. The Sterling Heights Police Department, who has been operating FAN COMEBACK QRT since February 2020, has seen more than a 65% success rate in connecting individuals and families to treatment and recovery services. The cities of Roseville, Midland, and Saginaw launched FAN COMEBACK Teams in August.
Ferndale Police also continues work with Hope Not Handcuffs, a program that allows anyone to come to the police station to request help with their addiction.
For more information visit https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/comeback or contact the Ferndale Police Department non-emergency line at 248-541-3650.