Riverbend is proud to announce that it is a recipient of the LinC grant through Rize Massachusetts for a partnership with Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital. This grant provides $250,000 for a program that will help to strengthen linkages between levels or types of care by utilizing engagement strategies, removing barriers to access, and fostering shared care management
Through this partnership, Riverbend will provide evening and weekend recovery coaching, as well as naloxone and safe use kits for discharging patients. Recovery Coaching is a non-clinical peer support service that is person-centered, which supports the recovery potential of every individual.
“Statistics show that early intervention with those who have suffered a medical emergency as a result of their substance use disorder is the most effective time to speak with them about their recovery,” said Diana Newell, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer at Riverbend. “We have worked closely with Lowell General Hospital for years, but being able to formalize an evening partnership like this will drastically improve the odds of recovery for those individuals who are being treated at the hospital.”
The recovery coaches will work closely with the hospital staff and oversight will be provided by a recovery coach supervisor and regular meetings with hospital staff will be held. Additionally, the organization will address barriers such as limited staff availability during non-business hours and transportation by providing transportation assistance and varying levels of support based on patient choice.
“Addressing substance use disorder requires more than medical intervention – it requires a community-wide effort,” said Amy Hoey, RN, President of Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital. “Partnerships like this one with Riverbend will help us ensure that those struggling with addiction receive the resources, compassion and ongoing support they need, especially during the critical evening hours when this support is often needed most.”
This grant came about after recent RIZE-funded research shows that individuals who survive a nonfatal overdose are at increased risk for future overdose, and linking individuals post-overdose to ongoing services through outreach and engagement strategies is likely to save lives.