Hope Not Handcuffs
What is Hope Not Handcuffs?
Launched February 1, 2017, Hope Not Handcuffs is an initiative started by Michigan based, Families Against Narcotics (FAN) aimed at bringing law enforcement and community organizations together in an effort to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce dependency with heroin, prescription drugs, and other substances.
In the first year, 903 participants were connected with the support and resources they deserve.
As of November 2018, Hope Not Handcuffs is working with more than 60 law enforcement agencies and has helped more than 2100 participants connect to treatment.
BACKGROUND
Hope Not Handcuffs is based on the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.) program in Glouchester, MA. P.A.A.R.I. was started to support local police departments work with people struggling with opioid addiction. Rather than arrest their way out of the problem of drug addiction, P.A.A.R.I. committed police departments to:
> Encourage opioid drug users to seek recovery.
> Help distribute life saving opioid blocking drugs to prevent and treat overdoses.
> Connect addicts with treatment programs and facilities.
> Provide resources to other police departments and communities that want to do more to fight the opioid epidemic.
In 2015, Gloucester, Massachusetts Police Chief Leonard Campanello developed a revolutionary new way to fight the war on drugs by doing something about the demand, not just the supply. Under his plan, drug addicts who ask the police department for help will be immediately taken to a hospital and placed in a recovery program.
TODAY
Tri-County Community Partnership has joined forces with Families Against Narcotics to bring Hope Not Handcuffs to the Hudson Valley area. Effective November 2018, Hope Not Handcuffs is working with local law enforcement agencies to provide support. A person struggling with any addiction can voluntarily walk in to a participating police department and ask for help. They will be greeted with support, compassion and respect. A trained Angel volunteer will be called to the station to help find treatment.
Our Hope Not Handcuffs program is a community outreach program designed to reach people struggling with drug addiction to encourage them to seek recovery and regain control of their lives. Community members taking care of community members.
We believe…..It takes ALL of us.
Click here for information regarding getting help.
Click here for information on how to become a Volunteer Angel.