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New drop-in center in Attleboro to help with addiction, mental illness

The Sun Chronicle - 9/25/2017

ATTLEBORO - Arbour-Fuller Hospital in South Attleboro and the Attleboro Police Department have teamed up to address opiate addiction.

The hospital and police department's Problem Oriented Police (POP) team have collaborated to create a monthly drop-in clinic and resource center and development of the Greater Attleboro Recovery Network (GARN) for those affected by substance abuse and/or mental illness.

The "You Are Not Alone" drop-in center will be open at the Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 North Main St., on the last Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

It will feature tables of local mental health and addiction resources and free training of Narcan, a drug used to combat overdoses.

Also, clinicians from Arbour-Fuller, Community Counseling of Bristol County (CCBC), and other agencies will be on hand to assist those seeking immediate voluntary treatment.

"Anonymity is an important part of this program as well. It is imperative that community members feel comfortable seeking help, whether it is for themselves or someone else," said Carrie Ballou, community relations coordinator for Arbour-Fuller Hospital.

GARN is having a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at the church to remember those the community has lost to opiate addiction and/or suicide and to recognize those who have been impacted.

Following the vigil, there will be an open house for the resource center, with light refreshments.

Plans are to eventually include members of the recovery community such as AA and NA as well as local recovery coaches.

Contact Carrie Ballou at carrie.ballou@uhsinc.com or Sgt. Steve Beaudet at sbeaudet@attleboropolice.org.