MANCHESTER, NH – I have finally been able to finish collecting the data from the beginning of September and things are still looking encouraging. Last year we had our worst month ever with 102 suspected overdoses here in the City. So far, through the first 9 days of September we are sitting at 22.
Serenity Place has been busy with Safe Station with HOPE for NH now out of the process but they have been encouraged by the amount of people coming through. I have to admit, I’m quite happy with where things sit. People who come through the program now get into a program immediately, whether its out-patient or in-patient. Helping Hands Community Outreach has been essential to this program by offering the coverage during the overnight and providing a safe and sober situation until these people get the services they need. Granite United Way and the Manchester Health Department have been crucial to ironing out the details and providing the financial support needed to continue the efforts of our groups.
Finally, the Mayor and Board of Alderman have been wonderful when dealing with the political side of things and providing the governmental support needed in not only a crisis of this magnitude, but also in backing this to their constituents. I sincerely thank you all.
I’m humbled by the complete Community buy-in and support. Without an entire community backing and support structure this process would not be possible. Everyone has brought their best and capable services to the table and we should be proud of what has been accomplished. CMC and Elliot have been working diligently within their own organizations and pushing this program out to their respective facilities by knowing more about the medical community and support services than is humanly possible. Even the short period of time being two years ago something like this would have been unheard of.
Finally, the Chiefs: Dan Goonan, Richard McGahey, Nick Willard, Carlo Capano, and Christopher Stawasz. Without their support and guidance from both the Fire, Police, and EMS side, this would not have been possible. The support, encouragement, and backing of our public safety officials will go a long way. This is something “out of the box” when it comes to our professions, but like always we have adapted and overcome the obstacles.
Christopher Hickey is Director of Emergency Services for the City of Manchester.