For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater Police Chief Travels to D.C. to Share Success of EB HOPE

Chief Allen Advocates for Long Term Expansion Recovery Program

EAST BRIDGEWATER – The East Bridgewater Police Department is pleased to announce that Chief Scott Allen joined law enforcement leaders from around the country in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with White House officials on the opioid crisis.

The group, compromised of approximately 25 chiefs affiliated with the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative, sought to collectively voice the needs of police departments in combating the opioid epidemic currently sweeping the nation.

Chief Allen, who spearheaded the department’s partnership with EB HOPE, spoke directly with National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli, who openly recognized the role police departments have taken to address the opioid crisis.

After leaving the White House, Chief Allen traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with U.S. Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, Jeanne Shaheen, Kelly Ayotte, Bill Cassidy and Dick Durbin. There, he was able to address lawmakers in a small setting about the success of EB HOPE and express the need for expansive, long-term recovery both in East Bridgewater and throughout the country.

“I am honored to have traveled with such a diverse, educated group of chiefs intent on changing the way the opioid epidemic is perceived in both our local and national forms of government,” Chief Allen said. “It was a great opportunity to gather with chiefs who share the same goals and objectives as we tackle this epidemic, which continues to affect our communities at alarming rates.”

In his travels, Chief Allen was made aware of how far and wide the EB HOPE Drop In Center idea had spread — he met a chief from Virginia who had used the EB HOPE business plan to launch his own town’s initiative to help those struggling with addiction.

“In today’s policing, we are confronted with many new challenges that have never fallen on departments before,” Chief Allen added. “It is encouraging to see and know that our local work helps departments nationwide. The East Bridgewater Police Department will continue to work with all those involved in EB HOPE to focus on the needs of our community and help residents in need recover from their addiction.”

About EB HOPE:

EB HOPE is a nonprofit volunteer organization that launched in 2011. It is a collaboration of members from the community, including police, school department personnel, town government, drug treatment and recovery members, the clergy and residents suffering from substance abuse and/or their family members.

Substance abuse assistance and resources provided by the program include bi-monthly meetings, information on the availability of mental health services, training on the use of nasal Naloxone (Narcan), referral and access to treatment services, family education and support, and faith-based intervention and support.

###