Addiction Is A Disease, Not A Crime

Pubdate: Tue, 16 Feb 2016
Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA)
Copyright: 2016 MetroWest Daily News
Contact:  http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619
Author: Nicole Harter

ADDICTION IS A DISEASE, NOT A CRIME

I am a Franklin resident responding to the recent article about 
Franklin' S.A.F.E. coalition's plans to hold monthly treatment 
events. These events will provide immediate access to service 
providers for those suffering from addiction (and family members). 
They will also help seekers navigate the system and provide a pathway 
to long-term recovery. I commend the committee for taking steps to 
treat the opioid crisis for what it is, a crisis of mental health and 
not criminality.

The goal of this letter is to applaud this latest step, but also 
encourage our community to avoid losing momentum and continue to 
improve our response. Franklin PD has already made great strides in 
partnering with the S.A.F.E. coalition, and "generally" avoiding 
charges for drug offenders seeking treatment as outlined in the May 
2015 Strategy for Combating the Abuse of Heroin and Prescription 
Painkillers. However, I am wondering if we can take it further. 
Franklin Police Department's name is not on the list of partners on 
the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) 
website. The PAARI group started in Gloucester, Mass., and supports 
local PDs to create pathways for those seeking recovery. The group 
costs nothing to join and offers resources, funding, and programs for 
recovery. Most recently, they have partnered with health insurers to 
ensure those seeking treatment receive appropriate long-term care.

My hope is our community can embrace the mantra that addiction is a 
disease and not a crime. Addiction knows no bounds and those who are 
suffering are our neighbors, friends, and children. I urge you to get 
involved in this growing epidemic, educate yourself and your 
families, and join the community to help those who are suffering. 
Learn more about the Franklin S.A.F.E coalition at 
http://safecoalitionma.com/ and Police Assisted Addiction and 
Recovery Initiative at http://paariusa.org/.

NICOLE HARTER

Franklin
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom