Mental Health & Substance Use Task Force

One client had lost nearly everything in his life including family, employment, housing, and ultimately, the ability to hope for a brighter future. After finding himself in a hospital bed following an overdose, a referral was made to the Quick Response Team and a Peer Recovery Coach responded right away. The connection that was made between the QRT coach and the client that night was a breakthrough for the young man. While he did not immediately enter treatment or find recovery, a seed was planted. He realized that there are others who have faced similar battles and have overcome them. He was given hope through a connection with a peer whom he could see eye to eye with. Months later, this same gentleman began the process of overcoming his battle with substance use. Leading to restored relationships with his family, opportunities for employment, stable housing, and ultimately, freedom from the things that plagued him for so many years. Nearly three years later, this same person joined the QRT and now serves as a state-certified Peer Recovery Coach responding to calls in the same hospital he was admitted to following an overdose. This is at the very heart of what the QRT does and why it works. Not only to help people find freedom from substance use but to become all they can be and find ways to use their personal experiences to give hope to others. This beautiful story is only one of many. Beyond the work in local hospitals, multiple clients have even transitioned from incarceration to treatment, recovery housing, and then back into the community, healthier and more whole, because of the QRT. Family restoration, people accessing the resources they are in need of, and ensuring that people do not suffer alone or in silence but are immersed in a support system are at the core of why the QRT exists.