Residents suffering from addiction will have better access to treatment without fear of jail time with the Hope Not Handcuffs program launched in January. The program is being implemented across Macomb County and through the Ferndale Police Department – the only law enforcement agency in Oakland County to take part.
"We have seen firsthand the devastating effect that substance abuse has had," said Linda Davis, president of Families Against Narcotics, which created the program in partnership with the Police Assisted Additction Recovery Initiative. "This community-wide partnership will better connect residents with the help they need and provide options for recovery that have been tough to find before."
The program is simple: those in need or want of immediate help are asked to come to the Ferndale Police Department, where they will be welcomed (no questions asked) and connected with recovery support and treatment. Support is provided quickly thanks to Hope Not Handcuffs' more-than 200 volunteer "angels," who assist residents with transport and other needs. Following treatment, individuals will receive referrals for continued support to reinforce treatment and healthy living.
"Michigan's addiction epidemic continues to hurt families and claim lives all across our state," said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who chaired Michigan's Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force. "While efforts to deal with the problem are underway at the state level, community partnerships like Hope Not Handcuffs give local residents a new lifeline and show just how much the community cares about the well-being of its people."
Local partners involved in the program include every police department in Macomb County, the Sheriff's department, Michigan State Police North post, Harper Woods and Ferndale Police Departments, as well as Macomb County office of Substance Abuse, CARE of Southeast Michigan, Medstar and Universal Ambulance companies and numerous treatment facilities.
For more information about Ferndale's participation in the program, contact Sgt. Baron Brown with the Ferndale Police Department at 248-541-3650.
Hope Not Handcuffs Program Offers Addiction Support
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