PCO Hope is a collaboration of Public Safety Agencies and Healthcare Providers created to respond to the ever growing number of opiate overdoses by conducting follow-up visits within 12-24 hours after an overdose. The program is not limited to those addicted to opiates, it is for everyone impacted by addiction.
The two main aspects of the program are; overdose follow-up and community outreach.
Overdose Follow-up: After a overdose occurs in a participating community the PCO Hope team of safety officials and healthcare providers determines the best course of action to help that person. If it is determined that a in person follow-up may help, a healthcare worker and safety official will go to the overdose victims home. The healthcare worker discusses treatment options with the individual and helps to get them into treatment as soon as possible if they choose to go.
Community Outreach: Twice a month the project outreach team hosts a drop in center . These centers host a growing number of health care providers who help with treatment options and train and distribute Narcan for free (Narcan, also known as Naloxone, can reverse opiate overdose). Drop in centers are open for anyone who is looking for information about treatment. We encourage family and friends to stop in and talk to our healthcare providers. This setting provides a unique opportunity to have the undivided attention of a healthcare worker who specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders. They will answer any question you have, explain the science of addiction, discuss treatment options, help to work through issues with paying for treatment, and assist individuals with getting into a treatment program.
EB HOPE Receives Funding In Approved State Budget and EB HOPE and Plymouth Project Outreach Drop-In Centers Merge – PCO EB HOPE Budget Support
Click here to read the July 16, 2016 article in the Patriot Ledger about Project Outreach.
Boston Globe Article – January 12, 2017
Wicked Local Pembroke – February 1, 2017
Wicked Local Marion – February 23, 2017
Wicked Local Pembroke – July 14, 2017
Wicked Local Plymouth – July 22, 2017
WGBH News – August Overdose Vigil
Overdosed – New England Fights Back – NBC Boston – October 4, 2017
