KALAMAZOO, MI — More resources for Kalamazoo residents seeking recovery from substance abuse disorders are now being offered thanks to a new partnership announced Thursday.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety announced a new partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo on Thursday, Jan. 14. Under the partnership, KDPS will refer people in need to the Recovery Outreach program made possible through ISK’s Opioid Overdose Response Program.
The program, according to a news release from KDPS, provides emergency mental health services to those struggling with alcohol or drug use. It is open to anyone battling addiction.
KDPS Executive Lieutenant of Operations Scott VanderEnde said the partnership will also allow public safety officers to help those who are visibly struggling with alcohol and drug use get the resources they need.
“The opioid epidemic has hit Kalamazoo especially hard, and in 2020, there was a record number of overdoses,” VanderEnde said. “This partnership will streamline the process for getting people to ISK for treatment, which will help reduce the number of overdoses in our community.”
In 2020, there were 165 overdoses and 18 fatalities as a result in the city of Kalamazoo, KDPS Public Information Officer Ryan Bridges told MLive. That was up from 94 overdoses and six fatalities, the year prior.
The number of drug and opioid-involved overdose deaths in Michigan, by category, per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Courtesy | National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Recovery coaches made available through the overdose program are trained and certified staff members who themselves are in long-term substance use disorder and/or mental health recovery, the release states.
Coaches use their own experience and knowledge to provide support and guidance to those in need.
“Anytime we can help someone in crisis realize that recovery is possible, it’s a win,” said ISK program manager Nancy McDonald. “Often, the best person to do this is someone who has lived through this experience.
“If you are having one of the worst days of your life, I think the person you most want to talk with is probably someone who has had a similar experience to yours. And the sooner we can link that person with a recovery coach, the better.”
Patients can be connected to the program’s patient navigator for assistance with accessing substance use disorder treatment or coordination. These services, and ongoing support, are available free of charge for up to 60 days.
Recovery staff can help with peer support and education, linkage to SUD treatment, Narcan training and resources for family and friends.
“There is hope, and recovery is possible,” said Chris Dale, a full-time peer-coach with the Opioid Overdose Recovery Program. “We want to spread the word that this program is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
“Our partnership with KDPS will help ensure people in need of our services and resources can access them every day of the year.”
Those seeking help can call 269-373-6000 and ask to speak with a member of the opioid overdose response team.
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