Peabody Forms Outreach Team to Address Opiate Crisis

PEABODY, MA – The Peabody Outreach Team was formed last month as the city makes strides to address the growing opiate crisis in the area.

The collaboration between the Peabody Fire Department, Healthy Peabody Collaborative and Healthy Streets pairs firefighters and clinicians to prevent overdoses and help those struggling with addiction access treatment.

"The City of Peabody joins communities throughout the region and across America who are coming together to fight the opiate crisis," Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. said in an announcement. "The victims of this scourge are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members and we must do everything we can to help them."

The Peabody Outreach Team will initiate "door knocks" at locations known to Healthy Peabody Collaborative as residences of individuals and families struggling with addiction issues. The aim is to respond to overdoses in progress and offer treatment options to families.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Peabody Fire Department who are part of
the Peabody Outreach Team," Fire Chief Steve Pasdon said. "Firefighters are already on the
front lines of the opiate crisis responding to overdose calls and administering lifesaving
Naloxone. They recognize the severity of this crisis better than most and so they are stepping up
to help their community."

The Peabody Police Department is also lending a hand to the team by identifying potential individuals and families in need of assistance.

"The Healthy Peabody Collaborative plays a vital role on the Peabody Outreach Team," said
Police Chief Tom Griffin. "The Peabody Police Department is proud to share information and
lend expertise to this most worthwhile public health initiative."