Project Hope: Supporting the Path to Recovery Through Partnerships

Project Hope is a collaboration of community partners whose response to substance use and overdose includes a multi-disciplinary approach. Community paramedics, public health, peer mentors, law enforcement and a case manager collaborate to respond to those in need. This unique group identifies, refers, and supports those suffering from addiction through the complicated path of recovery. Project Hope uses lifesaving-incidents, such as a non-fatal overdose, as an opportunity to also be a life-changing event.

Using EMS reports and law enforcement, jail, and clinic referrals, the Project Hope team follows up with those in need and engages individuals suffering from addiction. Once a connection is made, the supports are put into place to assist with recovery. Project Hope strives to provide a wrap-around style support system involving the individual’s primary care physician, mental health provider, addictions specialist, and recovery/detox team. The team also seeks to overcome the barriers that often prevent successful recovery, such as transportation, housing, insurance, and entry into detox facilities.

Presenters will share successes, challenges, and outcomes, as well as discuss the increasing need for nontraditional partnerships. Recovery looks different for everyone and requires an individualized approach. Project Hope addresses the social determinants of health and adverse childhood events in its approach to support the individual’s specific needs by connecting them to valuable community resources. Multiple partnerships help increase the rate of successful outcomes. Project Hope knows that where there’s breath, there’s hope.