Braintree Police Department Reminds Residents of Local Resources, Support Services Available Amid COVID-19

BRAINTREE — Chief Mark Dubois and the Braintree Police Department wish to provide information and resources for anyone who may be struggling or in need of local assistance as a result of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing.

A stay at home advisory remains in effect for all residents who are non-essential employees, gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited and residents are asked to only go outside for necessary errands like grocery shopping or picking up medication.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has come with many challenges. Staying home, being away from friends or family or experiencing a disruption to one’s routine can have a significant impact on those who are struggling with mental health issues, substance use disorders or are experiencing domestic violence,” Chief Dubois said. “We want to remind our residents that we are fully committed to helping those in need and that many resources and services are available during these uncertain times.”

In order to ensure residents have the resources and information they need to stay safe and healthy, the Braintree Police Department offers the following tips and resources:

Substance Use

Residents are encouraged to contact the following services for assistance:

• Manet Community Health Center located at 1193 Sea St., Quincy, 617-471-8683
• Braintree Community Partnership on Substance Use located at the Braintree Town Hall, 1 John F. Kennedy Memorial Dr., 781-794-8000

Additional local substance use recovery resources can be found on the Town of Braintree website. Further substance use disorder resources can be found here, adolescent substance use disorder resources here and family support resources here.

Resources regarding overdoses and instructions for obtaining naloxone (Narcan) are provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

Additionally, Mass.gov has resources available, including access to virtual AA meetings, and Boston Medical Center has published a website dedicated to recovery resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety

Residents are encouraged to contact the following services for assistance:

• Aspire Health Alliance located at 460 Quincy Ave., Quincy, 617-774-6036
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 800-273-8255 or text “HELLO” to 741741
• Veterans Crisis Line, 800-273-8255 ext. 1 or text 838255

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers several tips for managing anxiety and stress as a result of COVID-19:

• Share the facts about COVID-19 to understand the actual risk to yourself and other individuals. When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.
  • Avoid posting or re-posting unverified information, claims, unfounded medical information or conspiracy theories, as it only works to heighten emotions 
• Take breaks from listening, watching and reading the news. 
• Tend to your body. Stretch, meditate and take deep breaths. Try to eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs. 
• Try to do other activities that are enjoyable.
• Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Domestic Violence

With the increase in social distancing due to COVID-19, domestic violence may increase in the home as survivors must stay home and are unable to separate themselves from their abuser.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline advises that, though staying home and avoiding public spaces may help reduce the spread of COVID-19, staying home may not be the safest option for survivors. Situations like COVID-19 can add additional stress and financial strain and can create unsafe environments for survivors. COVID-19 may also be used by abusers to control victims. This may include preventing survivors from seeking medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms of the virus or using the virus as a scare tactic to isolate survivors and keep them from seeing children or family members.

Residents are encouraged to contact the following services for assistance:

• DOVE (DOmestic Violence Ended) provides comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE is based in Norfolk County and serves the greater South Shore. DOVE’s 24-hour hotline can be reached at 617-471-1234.
• SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free, multilingual hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic violence. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 877-785-2020.

Residents in need of additional resources or assistance can also contact the Braintree Police Department’s Family Services Unit officers.

• Sgt. Jamie Mosesso, 781-794-8675
• Officer Peter Gillis, 781-794-8767
• Officer Jay St. Ives, 781-794-8776

 As always, please call 911 in an emergency. 

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