What started as a committee of interested non profits has expanded into a coalition that is representative of the entire community. Over the last several years, the coalition has been joined by Boston Police District C6 and the Probation Department, housed in the South Boston District Court. With the development of the overdose prevention initiative, parents, religious members and other invested community members have become regular participants. The hiring of a full time coordinator in April 2009 has expanded the Coalition’s outreach and helped bring in new members such as the Andrew Square Civic Association. Our efforts to expand have also included utilizing online social networking to reach a larger community audience. And the Coalition recently partnered with the Youth Ambassadors from the South Boston Community Health Center to enhance both outreach to the neighborhood’s three public housing developments and increase youth participation in our work. The South Boston Hope & Recovery Coalition is supported by partners around South Boston and the city.
Overdose Prevention
Boston-Based Prevention Programs
AHOPE – Addicts Health Opportunity Prevention Education
The AHOPE program provides education, training, and safety supplies to active users to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection, and to prevent fatal and nonfatal overdose. AHOPE also provides referrals to substance abuse treatment programs. AHOPE serves several Boston neighborhoods through mobile van services, street outreach, and home visits.
Addiction affects more than just the addict, which is why our program aims to not only serve opioid and injection drug users, but also their friends, family, and healthcare providers. If you know someone battling addiction, contact AHOPE to learn about harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies.
Services Provided:
- Free, legal, anonymous needle exchange
- Overdose risk factor and prevention education
- Referrals to substance abuse treatment through the Resource and Referral Center, with priority admission to methadone treatment and detoxification services
- On-site HIV testing (scheduled days)
Please call 1-800-383-2437 to access the van schedule or receive additional information.
AHOPE – Nasal Narcan Pilot Program
AHOPE is now the Boston site for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Opioid Overdose Prevention and Reversal Project. The project trains opioid users and their families on how to prevent, recognize, and intervene during an opioid overdose. The training covers the importance of calling 911, how to perform rescue breathing, the administration of nasal Narcan, and instructions for after-Narcan care. The project also offers counseling and referrals to substance abuse treatment for all participants who are misusing opioids.
For more information about this project, please call 1-800-327-5050.
Suicide Prevention
Here are some links to helpful resources:
Hope Line
Since the suicide of his wife, Kristin, in April 1998, KBHC Founder Reese Butler has been on a personal crusade. His mission the past 11 years has been to offer HOPE and the option to LIVE to those in the deepest emotional pain.
Samaritans
Samaritans’ purpose is to alleviate despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in our community, 24 hours a day; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to reduce the stigma associated with suicide.
Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
The MCSP seeks to be a catalyst for action and a powerful voice for change. We are citizens, community leaders, advocates, legislators, public health officials, mental health leaders, survivors of suicide attempts, and families who have lost loved ones to suicide — working together to stem the tide of suicide and self-harm.
Substance Abuse
Here are resources to assist with questions, concerns, and treatment options for substance abuse challenges:
Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope is a support group for parents and family members dealing with a loved one addicted to heroin, OxyContin, and other drugs.
Join Together
Join Together leads initiatives to help communities respond to the harms caused by excessive alcohol and drug use.