MASHPEE – The Town of Mashpee is hosting monthly drop-in nights in an effort to combat the region’s ongoing drug epidemic.
The effort was initiated by the town’s Human Services Department earlier this year, providing treatment information, counseling, and education to those struggling themselves with drug dependence or their families.
Gail Wilson, the Town’s Director of Human Services, explained the origins of the program.
“Last winter we had members from the EP hope out of east Bridgewater come present about a new out of the box initiative they had started, which were these drop in center nights,” she said.
The free nights typically occur on the first Tuesday of each month from 4 through 8 PM and feature between five and ten “recovery angels” offering support to attendees.
There is also a certified clinician on hand to advise on any needed medical treatment.
“Substance use disorder is a chronic brain disease,” said Wilson, “and when we look at it in that respect we look at it that you know we need to pull together long term treatment and recovery options.”
Mashpee’s drop-in nights are a first of its kind endeavor on the Cape, which Wilson says will also include free Naloxone training for those in need of the overdose reversal drug.
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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