Attleboro Police: Expecting double overdoses, hire new addiction counselor

July 29, 2017 12:27 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — With number of drug overdoses in Attleboro for 2017 on course to be double last year’s numbers, Attleboro Police have employed a Drug Intervention Counselor.

Previously, a Problem-Oriented Policing Unit assisted overdose victims and addicts with non-law enforcement visits to educate, as well as refer and offer transportation to treatment facilities.

The department hired Maureen Gouveia as the Drug Intervention Counselor, a trained clinician who has experience working in similar capacities at other police departments and in social services.

"The presence of a clinician will assist the person in recognizing the existence of a problem and streamline offering of services," the press release said. "An addiction counselor involved in the interaction certainly improves the possibility of positive dialogue with the persons in need of those addiction services."

There have been 79 overdoses in 2017 just past the mid-year point, 13 of which resulting in death, according to police. In 2016, there were a total of 81 overdoses and 12 deaths. If trends continue, Attleboro will experience twice the number of drug overdoses in 2017.

Gouveia’s position was made possible by a Heroin and Opioid Local Crime Reduction Gateway City Initiative Grant.