Governor Gina M. Raimondo’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force hosted the first statewide Community Overdose Engagement (CODE) Summit in December 2017. A challenge was given to Rhode Island cities by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) to develop overdose response plans based on the Governor’s statewide Overdose Prevention Action Plan. RIDOH made grant funding of up to $5000 available to municipalities to help them complete these plans.
These videos highlight the innovative work of five municipalities that developed comprehensive overdose response plans.
CODE Overview Video
CODE Teaser Trailer
Providence
Providence is using community outreach to distribute naloxone to high-risk populations.
Annajane Yolken of Providence
Annajane Yolken discusses changing the perception about people who are using drugs.
Woonsocket
In Woonsocket, Community Care Alliance is expanding access to medically assisted treatment to meet people with addictions where they are.
West Greenwich
Utilizing first responders, West Greenwich is exploring recovery through community support and engagement.
Warwick
Warwick is using community outreach to educate and build trust between police and those struggling with homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse problems.
Maureen Gouveia of the Warwick PD
Maureen Gouveia describes her role and experience as a mental health liaison for the Warwick police department.
Portsmouth, Little Compton, and Tiverton
Portsmouth, Little Compton, and Tiverton are small towns utilizing the bond between faith communities and fire departments during the opioid crisis.
Father John Higginbotham of Tiverton
Father John Higginbotham discusses removing stigma to help those in need.
Videos from Sky Sabin Productions.