Abington Township Police Department Announces A New Program To Help Combat The Opioid Crisis

January 30, 2018

Contact: Sgt. Roger Gillispie
rgillispie@abington.org

 In an attempt to take an active and compassionate role in helping people deal with opioid addiction, Abington Police Department announces Abington Police Assisting in Recovery or APAIR. APAIR is modeled after a successful program first implemented by Bensalem Police Department that is now available in several other Bucks County police departments. The primary goal of the program is to connect those struggling with drug addiction to treatment programs and facilities.

 Any Abington Township resident in need of treatment for drug addiction can go to the Abington Township Police Department and ask for help.  An officer will connect the person with a Certified Recovery Specialist or other crisis specialist.  The police department has partnered with several treatment providers to ensure that help will be available 24/7, 365 days a year.  Those partners include Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health, Montgomery County Recovery Center-Center for Excellence, Access Services Mobile Crisis and Malvern Institute.  While the program cannot promise a bed in a treatment facility, service providers will do their best to connect those in need with available treatment options. 

 “We realize the importance of addressing the need for treatment in our community. By trying to make sure that help is readily available we hope more people will accept assistance” says Abington Chief of Police John A. Livingood. Just like Abington Police Officers are carrying NARCAN, Chief Livingood believes this is one more tool the police department can have to help fight the opioid crisis.  More information about APAIR can be found on our website, www.abingtonpd.org.       

Approved for release by:
Deputy Chief Kelley D. Warner