Idaho Falls Launches Non-Arrest Pathway to Recovery for Opioid Crisis
In an effort to combat the devastating opioid crisis and provide a pathway to recovery, the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Idaho Falls Fire Department have unveiled a new plan. With a focus on building a non-arrest approach, this initiative aims to help individuals affected by the opioid crisis and struggling with substance use disorders.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 75% of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved opioids. To address this alarming statistic, the program seeks to reach individuals before they enter the criminal justice system or experience a drug-related overdose.
The plan, which was launched on International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, is a collaborative effort between the fire and police departments. The teams have undergone training and received guidance and resources from the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative conference.
Under the newly developed opioid response plan, the city has hired a part-time social worker dedicated to outreach. This social worker, alongside an Idaho Falls COPE detective, follows up with individuals and their families a few days after an overdose call to provide support and connect them with resources.
The Community Outreach Partnership and Education program (COPE), which has been in development over the past few years, serves as the framework for this opioid response plan. By expanding on this existing program, the city aims to address the overlapping issues of mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.
The initiative also includes collaboration with local treatment and assistance programs to identify potential obstacles and opportunities. The Greater Idaho Falls Police Organization has allocated $7,000 in scholarships to help fund treatment, and additional funding will be utilized to assign a case worker.
While the program is still in its early stages, the city plans to track outcomes and make necessary adjustments as more funding becomes available. The goal is to help individuals overcome addiction and improve their quality of life.
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on communities across the United States, and Idaho Falls is taking proactive steps to address this issue. By providing a non-arrest pathway to recovery, the city aims to prevent opioid-related deaths and offer support and resources to those in need.
It is crucial to continue the fight against the opioid crisis and ensure that individuals struggling with substance use disorders receive the help and treatment they deserve. With initiatives like the one launched by Idaho Falls, there is hope for a brighter future and a reduction in the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.
