Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is paying close attention to a nearby Massachusetts town that could end up inspiring cities across the U.S. to change the way they handle drug addicts.
Gloucester’s police started a unique drug treatment plan earlier this month: They stopped arresting drug users. Instead, those who turn themselves into police are assessed and given treatment options while a volunteer “angel” stays with them through the process.
According to Boston NPR station WBUR:
Gloucester police Chief Leonard Campanello said that 17 people abusing opioids like heroin, morphine and oxycodone have so far taken up the department’s offer to turn over their drugs and paraphernalia without fear of arrest — as long as they agree to enter treatment on the spot.
He said while the number appears modest, it represents more than three times the amount of people who have died of drug overdoses this year in the seaside community of about 29,000.
Gloucester police are working with local pharmacies to make sure they provide the anti-overdose drug, Narcan, at low or no cost.
A local businessman, John Rosenthal, even stepped in to help the department launch a privately funded nonprofit to support the new program and research into its long-term effects. Campanello says that although the program had a slow start, they are pleased with the progress and costs are remaining manageable. As WBUR reports:
Campanello said that extra costs have been “minimal” to the police department. Any costs incurred — under $1,000 — have been paid from the city’s drug seizure money. State funding, he said, covers the costs of drug treatment for participants who are Massachusetts residents with no insurance plans or plans covering treatment.
The U.S. has just 5 percent of the world population but nearly 25 percent of its incarcerated population, largely due to the “War on Drugs.” As cities across America deal with mistrust of police from residents tired of excessive force, mistreatment and racial profiling, these types of outreach programs may be more important than ever.
“This program is life-saving, from Day One,” said Rosenthal. “And long term, it has the potential to change national drug and treatment policy.”
According to WBUR, Walsh said the pilot was a great idea and he may bring the policy to Boston.
Jenn Stanley is a freelance journalist, essayist and independent producer living in Chicago. She has an M.S. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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