COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A new program will be offered to residents seeking immediate access to addiction recovery resources starting next month.
The Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS announced the implementation of the Safe Station Program, a round-the-clock service for patients willing to start the recovery process.
The service will be put into place at all five Colerain Township fire stations starting Nov. 1, according to a news release.
How the service works
Firefighters and paramedics will conduct assessments for those seeking help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After the initial assessment, Colerain Fire and EMS will contact the Addiction Services Council of Cincinnati for an immediate follow-up and transportation to an ASCC site, or to schedule an appointment with an ASCC representative to determine the appropriate level of care the next day.
All patients will be given a Narcan kit provided by Hamilton County Public Health, and the ASCC will arrange the patient’s transportation to a follow-up assessment if needed.
The Safe Station Program first began in Manchester, New Hampshire.
An extension of the Quick Response Team
The QRT is an initiative started in Colerain Township and has spread all over the Tri-State. A team composed of a firefighter/paramedic, a law enforcement officer and an addiction recovery expert responds to overdose calls -- plus schedules follow-up visits.
In 2017, WCPO reported four out five addicts the QRT encountered opted to enter treatment.
