BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton and Police Chief Christopher Delmonte wish to provide information and resources for anyone who may be struggling or in need of local assistance as a result of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing.
As of May 18, residents are asked to stay at home unless going to an open business or facility. Those who are 65 or older, or have been identified as high risk individuals should they contract the virus, are asked to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people remain in effect.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a lot of uncertainty and can induce feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness,” Town Manager Dutton said. “We want people to know that they are not alone and that a number of local, state and national resources are available for anyone and at anytime.”
“There are many resources that are dedicated to helping residents stay safe and healthy through difficult times, and we encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support,” added Chief Delmonte.
The Town of Bridgewater and Bridgewater Police offer the following tips and resources:
Substance Use
Treatment and support is available throughout the county and region:
- Brockton Champion Plan
- PCO HOPE
- South Shore Peer Recovery
- Plymouth Recovery Center
- Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative
- Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: 800-327-5050 or helplinema.org.
- Plymouth County Outreach (PCO) has recovery coaches on-call 7 days a week. Reach out via the connect page, social media platforms or by calling the PCO voicemail box at 508-830-4218 ext. 261.
Resources regarding overdoses and instructions for obtaining naloxone (Narcan) are provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
Additionally, Mass.gov has resources available, including access to virtual AA meetings, and Boston Medical Center has published a website dedicated to recovery resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids also has a COVID-19 page up with resources including its free and confidential helpline. Parents can text 55753 or call 855-378-4373 for help with youth substance use.
Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety
Residents are encouraged to contact the following services for assistance:
- Samaritans offers 24/7 crisis services: call or text the helpline at 1-877-870-4673.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts (NAMI) is offering online and call-in options for peer, family and clinical support accessible during this time.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support: call 800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs” to 66746.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifelineis available 24/7 for those either in distress or who have a family member or friend who is struggling by calling 1-800-273-8255.
- Veterans Crisis Line: call 800-273-8255 ext. 1 or text 838255
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health outlines additional mental health crisis resources here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers several tips for managing anxiety and stress as a result of COVID-19:
- Share the facts about COVID-19 to understand the actual risk to yourself and other individuals. When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.
- Avoid posting or re-posting unverified information, claims, unfounded medical information or conspiracy theories, as it only works to heighten emotions
- Take breaks from listening, watching and reading the news.
- Tend to your body. Stretch, meditate and take deep breaths. Try to eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Try to do other activities that are enjoyable.
- Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Jail Diversion Program
The Jail Diversion Program (JDP) is a Massachusetts Department of Mental Health-funded grant, co-response modeled program for six Bridgewater area police departments (Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Middleborough, Whitman and Bridgewater State University) who wish to utilize the services and skills of a clinician when responding to calls for service or crises involving someone with a psychiatric or substance use condition.
The JDP clinician for the Bridgewater area is Katrina Lee. She is able to perform on-site assessments, make recommendations and referrals to treatment providers and other services as needed and/or can make follow-up phone calls on those cases she was not present for. Examples of scenarios she is able to help with are as follows:
- Crisis calls requiring de-escalation or stabilization
- Potential for Section 12
- Traumatic situations such as fires, traumatic crash scenes, drownings, etc.
- Death notifications
- Suicidal person to help assess the need for further treatment, provide grief support if necessary
- Drug overdoses to help witnesses on scene until they’re connected with treatment providers and other area supports
- Assisting community members with court forms for a Section 35
- Concerns about hoarding situations
- Children in need of services, etc.
Lee can be reached at 774-328-5709 for help or questions on any of these topics.
Domestic Violence
As people are advised to stay home due to COVID-19, domestic violence may increase in the home as survivors are unable to separate themselves from their abuser.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline advises that, though staying home and avoiding public spaces may help reduce the spread of COVID-19, staying home may not be the safest option for survivors. Situations like COVID-19 can add additional stress and financial strain and can create unsafe environments for survivors. COVID-19 may also be used by abusers to control victims. This may include preventing survivors from seeking medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms of the virus or using the virus as a scare tactic to isolate survivors and keep them from seeing children or family members.
Residents are encouraged to contact the following services for assistance:
- Family and Community Resources, Inc. (FCR) provides free, confidential services to survivors and their children including a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning and crisis intervention, transitional housing support, individual & group support, mental health counseling and support for children exposed to domestic violence. FCR is based in Brockton and serves southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. FCR’s 24-hour hotline can be reached at 508-583-6498.
- DOVE (DOmestic Violence Ended) provides comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE is based in Norfolk County and serves the greater South Shore. DOVE’s 24-hour hotline can be reached at 617-471-1234.
- SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free, multilingual hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic violence. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 877-785-2020.
- National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Bridgewater residents can also contact the Bridgewater Police Domestic Violence Officer Sgt. Anne Schuster at 508-659-1514.
As always, please call 911 in an emergency.
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