MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and founding partners in the Hope One mobile substance use recovery program this week received an award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
On behalf of Hope One, Sheriff Gannon accepted the 2019 IACP/Security Industry Association Michael Shanahan Leadership in Public/Private Cooperation Award on October 29, at the IACP’s Annual Banquet in Chicago.
“Hope One was based on a simple concept of treatment providers and specialists bringing critical recovery and resource services directly to people who may be too exhausted, frightened or overwhelmed by addiction to seek help on their own,’’ Sheriff Gannon said in accepting the award. “Hope One, with its steadfast, compassionate team, has saved lives and is committed to keep doing so,” he added.
The Sheriff’s Office and its Hope One partners – Rockaway-based Center for Addiction Recovery Education and Success (CARES), Daytop New Jersey, Prevention is Key and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris – are the collective recipients of the award named in honor of retired University of Washington Police Department Chief Michael Shanahan.
Family Promise of Morris County, which specializes in finding emergency and permanent housing for homeless individuals and families, came aboard Hope One after its launch to make sure clients had essential toiletries and assistance in finding housing.
Sheriff Gannon was joined at the awards event by Undersheriff Mark Spitzer; Corporal Erica Valvano, who is the coordinator of Hope One; and Madine Despeine-Udoh, the Director of Self Help, Advocacy and Education for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. Hope One is a mobile substance use recovery and resource outreach vehicle. It travels to locations in Morris County that are known for opioid overdoses, homeless encampments, community soup kitchens, and areas where at-risk populations are known to congregate.
As of Oct. 28, Hope One has logged 1,629 hours on the road in 356 stops. The staff has made nearly 10,000 contacts with individuals, trained 2,075 people in how to reverse an opioid overdose with Narcan, assisted 154 people in getting into rehab and recovery programs, and linked another 118 people with mental health services.
With a stigma-free approach and toiletries, snacks and beverages to put visitors at ease, the Hope One staff from the start has made a new contact every 10.8 minutes.
For more information on Hope One click here.
