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PAARI and Gloucester Police Partner with Massachusetts Association of Health Plans to Address the Opioid Crisis

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P.A.A.R.I.
Leonard Campanello, Co-Founder
John Rosenthal, Co-founder & Chairman
One Bridge St., Suite #300
Newton, MA 02458

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil (PAARI)
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Eric Linzer (MAHP)
Phone: 617-338-2244

MAHP, PAARI & the Gloucester Police Department Partner to Address the Opioid Crisis

Launch Pilot Program to Help Coordinate Care for Individuals Suffering from Opioid Addiction

mahp-logo-RGB-ÄinalBOSTON — Seeking to combat the opioid crisis, the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) and the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) today announced that they will launch a pilot program on January 4, 2016 to support individuals struggling with opioid addiction. MAHP member health plans will work closely with the Gloucester Police Department to utilize health plan clinical support staff, currently available on a 24/7 basis, to help ensure that individuals in need of substance use services transition to the right level of care after they have presented to the Gloucester police station.

“Detox is not the end of treatment, but for many people is the first step towards recovery. Our members recognize the importance of having supports in place for individuals as they move along the continuum of care, so that all residents of the Commonwealth who need treatment are able to get appropriate care in the right setting,” said Lora Pellegrini, MAHP President & CEO. “The work being done by PAARI takes an innovative approach to treating rather than incarcerating those with opioid addiction and the actions of PAARI will work to remove the stigma associated with this epidemic.”

“Rather than try to arrest our way out of the problem of drug addiction, our focus has been to bridge the gap between the police department and people suffering from the disease of opioid addiction seeking recovery so that individuals struggling with addiction can get the medical care they need,” said Leonard Campanello, Chief of the Gloucester Police Department and Co-Founder of PAARI. “We appreciate the commitment that MAHP and its member health plans have made to work with us to ensure that individuals get to the appropriate level of care as they work towards recovery.”

“When we launched PAARI, just six months ago, the goal was to create a new and innovative approach led by law enforcement, to remove the stigma and barriers and help provide the resources to create a continuum of care for those struggling with the disease of opioid addiction,” said John Rosenthal, Stop Handgun Violence founder and Co-Founder of PAARI. “We are thrilled to be working with MAHP and its member health plans as this offers an opportunity to strengthen the work we have begun and engage others in the health care system to help us break the cycle of addiction and provide long term care for this disease like any other chronic illness.”

The PAARI program was started to support local police departments as they work with opioid addicts. To address the problem of drug addiction, police departments involved with the program encourage opioid drug users to seek recovery, help distribute life-saving opioid blocking drugs to prevent and treat overdoses, and connect individuals struggling with addiction with treatment programs and facilities. Since launching the program in June of this year, it has had tremendous success in helping more than 360 individuals obtain detox services and other treatment. However, detox is only the first step and, like any other chronic disease, opioid addiction often requires long-term treatment and support. In addition, more than 44 police departments in 9 states and 57 treatment centers in 19 states have partnered with PAARI.

The pilot program between MAHP and PAARI is aimed at building upon the current efforts by ensuring that clinical supports are in place as individuals transition through the different levels of care. The pilot includes three important components:

  • Care coordination and discharge planning to ensure that a comprehensive treatment plan is in place for individuals following detox to avoid relapse;
  • Education and outreach to individuals so that they are aware of the full range of substance abuse treatment options available to them; and
  • Data collection to track patients at each level of care and assess the impact of the program, comparing the innovative intervention developed by PAARI, where those with opioid addiction seek out treatment as opposed to other methods utilized to access treatment

In addition to already making clinical support staff available on a 24/7 basis, health plans provide coverage for a broad range of services to treat opioid addiction. Treatment includes emergency inpatient treatment and clinical stabilization services, outpatient treatment including counseling and behavioral therapies, and coverage for medication assisted treatment, such as Methadone, Suboxone and Vivitrol.

In response to the pilot program, several state officials and local health care leaders applauded MAHP and PAARI on their efforts to address the opioid crisis.

“Addiction treatment needs to be available in the right place, at the right time, and in the right mode to be successful, and it won’t happen at all unless people can get into it in the first place,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “By giving a way to get treatment through the police department, and timely access to the right type of care, this pilot program holds enormous potential to save lives, prevent recidivist addiction, control costs, and make a real difference for those suffering from addiction, their families, and our communities.”

“Given the historic epidemic of opiate abuse we are experiencing PAARI has pioneered an entire new avenue for addicts to access treatment on a timely basis. The partnership with MAHP is another progressive step towards assisting individuals to begin the road to recovery, save lives and establish a model other communities can follow,” said Charles Faris, President & CEO, Spectrum Health Systems.

“These are exactly the type of creative collaborations and conversations that are needed to end the opioid crisis. Ensuring treatment is available and covered throughout the continuum of care will ensure individuals get the help and support they need to be successful through their recovery,” said Senator Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster), Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

“I am pleased to see the recognition and support the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans has given the Gloucester ‘Angel’ program,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses.

“I commend the City of Gloucester, especially Chief Campenello, for its ongoing efforts and commitment to influence drug policy and to deal with the opioid epidemic head on. I look forward to continuing to work with all parties moving forward.” “This partnership is a promising model and a logical next step,” said Representative Liz Malia (D-Jamaica Plain), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “A collaboration like this is the type of encouraging, creative response we need to combat the Commonwealth’s opioid public health crisis.”

“The combination of treatment, education and care coordination are essential to helping individuals dealing with addiction get better and we applaud the work of MAHP, PAARI and the Gloucester Police Department to bring these services together,” said David Matteodo, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems.

About MAHP
The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans represents 17 health plans covering more than 2.6 million Massachusetts residents. It is dedicated to improving health for all in Massachusetts by promoting affordable, safe and coordinated health care.

About PAARI
The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the Gloucester Police addiction initiatives, to aid other police departments to implement similar programs, and to foster a dialogue around the unique opportunity for police departments to take direct action against the disease of drug addiction in their communities.

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Circle Tree Ranch Partners with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services

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P.A.A.R.I.
Leonard Campanello, Co-Founder
John Rosenthal, Co-founder & Chairman
One Bridge St., Suite #300
Newton, MA 02458

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Circle Tree Ranch Partners with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services

P.A.A.R.I. Gains First Partner Treatment Center in Arizona

GLOUCESTER — Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello and John Rosenthal, co-founders of The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.), are pleased to announce that Amity Circle Tree Ranch, has joined the team of recovery centers assisting addicts.

“Amity Circle Tree Ranch marks P.A.A.R.I’s first partner treatment center in Arizona and symbolizes the continued commitment in all parts of the country to changing the stigma surrounding addiction,” Chief Campanello said. “Every day the Gloucester Police Department and our law enforcement counterparts see residents asking for help recovering from their addiction and the support of our treatment centers ensures everyone who needs assistance is not turned away.”

Over the summer, Chief Campanello and businessman John Rosenthal launched P.A.A.R.I. — a nonprofit organization created in response to Gloucester Police Department’s ANGEL Initiative. Rather than arrest their way out of the problem of drug addiction, partnering police departments place those who come to them for help into treatment programs. As partnerships with treatment centers continue to grow, so does P.A.A.R.I.’s ability to support police departments who want to assist their communities in saving lives.

“Our P.A.A.R.I. treatment centers have always been an integral part of the success of helping those struggling with addiction get help,” Rosenthal said. “As more police departments implement new addiction protocols, partnerships, like with Amity Circle Tree Ranch continue to move our efforts forward.”

Circle Tree Ranch is part of the Amity Foundation, founded in 1969 to guide and assist families who were negatively affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol abuse. The agency has been recognized nationally for helping those suffering from addiction; including women who need to bring their children with them into a safe and supportive environment while they are in treatment.

“We are honored to partner with P.A.A.R.I. on this groundbreaking initiative. Amity is dedicated to helping people transform their lives, overcome addiction, other negative behaviors, and learn to live healthy, joyful lives without relapse,” Circle Tree Ranch CEO Rod Mullen said. “We are fortunate to have a 60-acre campus with many amenities, in a valley surrounded by mountains—a peaceful place for our participants, that we call ‘students’, to learn a new way of life, and to practice the behaviors that will become their new standards of living.”

About Amity Circle Tree Ranch:amity

Located in the Tanque Verde Valley of Tucson, Ariz., Circle Tree Ranch is an affordable residential, long-term recovery center suited for successful addiction rehabilitation and recovery. Amity
understands that profound change does not occur in 30 days, so its programs range from a minimum of 90 days to 14 months or longer. Circle Tree effectively creates a physically and emotionally safe, life enhancing community where clients improve self-esteem and self-worth, heal core life issues, learn vocational-skills, gain control over addictive patterns, and improve the health of the spirit, mind and body.

Amity Circle Tree Ranch accepts out-of-network insurance.

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Dynamic Life Recovery Centers Partners with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services for Men

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P.A.A.R.I.
Leonard Campanello, Co-Founder
John Rosenthal, Co-founder & Chairman
One Bridge St., Suite #300
Newton, MA 02458

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Dynamic Life Recovery Centers Partners with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services for Men

NEWTON and VERO BEACH, Fla. — Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello and John Rosenthal, co-founders of The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.), are pleased to announce that Dynamic Life Recovery Centers has partnered with P.A.A.R.I. to offer addiction recovery services for men.

“Dynamic Life Recovery Centers will be able to provide valuable long-term treatment resources to those who come to us looking for help,” Chief Campanello said. “We are so appreciative of the assistance from these treatment centers as we continue our mission to change the way law enforcement handles addiction.”

Chief Campanello and businessman John Rosenthal recently launched P.A.A.R.I. — a new nonprofit organization created in response to Gloucester’s revolutionary drug addiction program and the immediate positive feedback from local, state and national organizations.Rather than arrest their way out of the problem of drug addiction, partnering police departments place those who come to them for help into treatment programs. As partnerships with treatment centers grow, so does P.A.A.R.I.’s ability to support police departments who want to assist their communities in saving lives.

“We are beyond excited to be partnering with such a ground-breaking initiative like P.A.A.R.I.,” said Dennis Nystrom, CEO of Dynamic Life Recovery Centers. “I am optimistic that partnerships like these can make a real difference in changing the way we look at and treat addiction must change.”

Dynamic Life Recovery Centers offers long-term individualized treatment plans for men at a 33-bed facility located in Vero Beach, Fla. The treatment facility includes private therapy rooms, group therapy rooms, public meeting areas, green garden spaces, and a church for spiritual services and activities.

“We have been able to change so many lives since this the start of this initiative thanks to our partner treatment centers,” Rosenthal said. “Our partnership with Dynamic Life Recovery Centers will be no different and we are looking forward to a long and successful relationship.”

About Dynamic Life Recovery Centers:

Dynamic Life Recovery Centers has found hope in the incredible success found in treatment programs for licensed professionals, many of which incorporate continued monitoring and support that lasts for five or more years. Along with careful monitoring and family involvement, Dynamic Life Recovery Centers believes that a longer commitment to each client will make a significant difference in the road to recovery.

dynamicliferecoveryThrough a partnership with Debra Jay and her Structured Family Recovery™ Program, Dynamic Life Recovery Centers has designed a treatment program to significantly reduce the risk of relapse and help clients lead stronger, healthier lives by involving family members of clients in treatment.

Dynamic Life Recovery Center involves the family of clients from the moment treatment begins, through either in-person therapy sessions or therapy via Skype. This ensures that any aspect of the family dynamic which may contribute to addictive behavior, even relapse, are addressed enabling healing to begin as soon as possible. Family involvement continues throughout treatment and aftercare, including therapy sessions with the addicted person and meetings.

For more information about Dynamic Life Recovery Centers, please visit their website.

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Pegasus House and Women’s View Partner with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services for Women

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P.A.A.R.I.
Leonard Campanello, Co-Founder
John Rosenthal, Co-founder & Chairman
One Bridge St., Suite #300
Newton, MA 02458

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

The Psychological Center’s Pegasus House and Women’s View Partners with P.A.A.R.I. to Offer Recovery Services for Women

GLOUCESTER — Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello and John Rosenthal, co-founders of The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (P.A.A.R.I.), along with Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon are pleased to announce that the The Psychological Center (TPC) has partnered with P.A.A.R.I. to offer addiction recovery services for women.

“The Psychological Center will be able to provide much-needed treatment resources to those who come to us looking for help fighting their addictions,” Chief Campanello said. “There is a great need for women’s recovery resources, and The Psychological Center will be an invaluable asset to us moving forward.”

The Psychological Center in Lawrence, which is funded by the Department of Public Health, offers a long-term therapeutic residential substance abuse treatment program to women ages 18-24 for an average of six months. They will be offering services from Pegasus House for women ages 18-24 and Women’s View for women ages 25 and above.

“Along with so many other communities, we have seen the devastating effects of substance abuse far too often,” Chief Solomon said. “We are extremely grateful to be partnering with a treatment center like The Psychological Center so close to home, so we can get help to those who need it as quickly as possible.”

Chief Campanello and businessman John Rosenthal recently launched P.A.A.R.I. — a new nonprofit organization created in response to Gloucester’s revolutionary drug addiction program and the immediate positive feedback from local, state and national organizations. Rather than arrest their way out of the problem of drug addiction, partnering police departments place those who come to them for help into treatment programs.

“This vital partnership was fostered by the current opioid crisis and our mission to save lives,” said Carina Pappalardo, CEO of The Psychological Center. “We are so excited to be able to work hand-in-hand with police departments to fast-track individuals into treatment and send a message of hope to those that are suffering.”

The Pegasus House has an in-house clinician and offers individual, group and family counseling. They also give clients in treatment the ability to attend Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, in addition to employment, educational and community service opportunities.

The Women’s View program aims to teach women ages 25 and older about self-sufficiency and accountability by providing a stable and nurturing environment for women to learn how to balance life issues with the added stress of maintaining sobriety. The program offers 24/7 awake support staff, individual case management, therapy and psychiatric referrals, in-house psycho-educational groups, a peer-led Women for Sobriety Group, legal counseling and referral, and nurturing support 24 hours a day.

“We are so pleased to be partnering with yet another treatment center like The Psychological Center, who are equally as excited to come on board,” Rosenthal said. “Their commitment to providing treatment to those in need will go far in furthering the success of P.A.A.R.I. and the fight against substance abuse.”

About The Psychological Center:

Since 1985, The Psychological Center has been providing a culture of recovery for women. The all-female treatment facility, funded by the Department of Public Health, has 15 beds and is designed to treat substance abuse for women ages 18 to 24. Clients are at high risk due to their substance abuse and as a result they are in need of a multi-dimensional evidenced-based treatment approach. The treatment components have been designed to focus on physical, psychological, social and familial aspects of the clients life. The Psychological Center’s vision is to offer an environment that reinforces a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. Through individual, group and family counseling, clients learn the skills and responsibilities needed to care for themselves and develop positive relationships within the community.

For more information on The Psychological Center, please visit their website.

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