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Chief Lawson: county harm‑reduction program has distributed Narcan and linked hundreds to recovery services
Summary
The county's harm‑reduction team reported hundreds of people connected to recovery supports, school and library training, and two projects: ‘give 1, leave 1’ Narcan distribution and a Handle With Care notification program for schools.
Chief Lawson reported that since the program’s November 2023 start the department has connected hundreds of residents to peer recovery and other services and distributed safety kits and Narcan training across the county.
“Over, since we had the inception of the program in November 2023, we've seen 702 programs entering our our program. We've had 395 adults connected to peer recovery service, 29 adults connected to housing, 14 adults connected to employment,” Chief Lawson said, and described distribution of safety kits and training for thousands on overdose response and Good Samaritan law protections.
Lawson described two current projects: a 'give 1, leave 1' policy to leave Narcan with people who refuse transport so family or others have a dose available, and a Handle With Care partnership with county schools that notifies principals when a student experienced a traumatic event so teachers can offer extra support. He also highlighted library and solicitor's‑office trainings and said the fire department is the first in the state to partner with Handle With Care and the school system.
Lawson closed with client success stories and said future efforts will include veteran‑focused assistance and expanded community education.
