PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals recently announced that a pilot program, providing hospital emergency rooms with peer recovery coaches to meet with drug overdose survivors, will begin on Friday, May 16. The purpose of the program is for recovery coaches to engage individuals who are being released following an overdose in discussions about treatment and recovery services. In addition, coaches can educate them on overdose and naloxone administration and provide resources to family members.
“We are pleased to make these services available to hospitals and to the individuals who need them”, said Craig Stenning, Director of BHDDH. “It is important to let overdose survivors know that recovery is possible, they can lead meaningful and productive lives and there is a recovery community that can guide them as they begin their journey to recovery. We feel that providing a direct link into treatment and recovery will save lives.”
Initially, the program is through Rhode Island Hospital, Kent Hospital and Memorial Hospital, with plans to expand it to include Miriam, Memorial, Roger Williams, St. Joseph’s and Butler Hospitals by the end of the month.
