Ewing Township, like many other communities, has seen an increase in opiate use/addiction over the last several years. As of November 17, 2016, Ewing Police officers have responded to approximately 25 drug overdose calls deploying Narcan 23 times. Recognizing that this disease of addiction is a nationwide epidemic, Ewing Police looked into programs being used by other law enforcement agencies which provide resources for a pathway for recovery.
Ewing Township Police Department is proud to announce that, as of this date, Ewing C.A.R.E. (Community Addiction Recovery Effort) is being implemented by the Ewing Police Department. This program is modeled after the Robinsville C.A.R.E. and the West Windsor C.A.R.E. programs.
Ewing C.A.R.E. incorporates a partnership between the Ewing Police Department and Recovery Advocates of America in an effort to get addicts the necessary treatment in a timely manner.
When Ewing Police Officers come in contact with any person at headquarters either through an arrest, the victim of a crime or a walk-in request to speak with an officer and the officer suspects or knows that person to have a substance abuse disorder, Ewing C.A.R.E. will be activated. Officers will offer that person a pathway to recovery by providing resources, access to treatment and guidance from a trained addiction recovery coach. If the person struggling with addiction agrees to accept support services, Ewing Police will contact a recovery coach and provide a safe and private setting for them to meet and discuss the process of getting the help needed to begin the recovery process.
This program recognizes the need to provide resources during the short window of opportunity when the addict is at his/her most receptive moment. It further recognizes that every crisis is a window of opportunity and the key to the program’s success is to take a leading role in the recovery process with immediate intervention.
For more information, please contact Diana Dubbs at [email protected] or Sgt. Karl Bartkowski at [email protected].
