President Trump is coming to Manchester on Monday, where he is expected to announce his administration’s multi-level policy plan to combat the national opioid epidemic.
Although details were slim, we’ve confirmed that Secret Service was sniffing around Central Fire Station last week and rumor has it Trump – and Pence – may soon be on their way to New Hampshire.
Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan with a special message for the nation about Safe Station, via The White House.
Alderman Dan O’Neil several times during the meeting expressed frustration over the lack of measurable progress so far, despite the many city resources that have been channeled toward recovery and treatment services.
When Safe Station started, it was an experimental idea. EMS Officer Chris Hickey offered it up as a way to reduce the number of overdose deaths and AMR calls; invite people ready for change to walk in a door, hopefully, in a moment of clarity, instead of the city responding to a drug overdose, too often, too late to save a life.
The Manchester Fire Department will work with local organizations to continue operating as a 24-hour access point for those seeking help.
2017 was a year of significant progress in reducing deaths and continuing to provide rapid single point access to people seeking recovery services. That progress was a direct result of many, many individuals and entities working tirelessly and without pause.
The City of Manchester announced a groundbreaking “Safe Station” initiative and an expansion of the Granite United Way’s 2-1-1NH service. Safe Station will utilize the ten 24/7/365 fire houses throughout the city and will serve as a designated safe environment for individuals seeking assistance. It is a starting point for drug/substance users who may not know where to begin the treatment and recovery process.