One of the featured speakers at a community forum Thursday on the opioid epidemic will Nashville police Chief Thomas Bashore.
Bashore, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said, will discuss the HOPE Initiative implemented last year in the Nash County town.
The forum will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kirkwood Adams.
The HOPE Initiative allows those with opiate addictions to receive assistance from the Nashville Police Department without fear of incarceration.
Those seeking help for their addiction can come to the Nashville Police Department and request assistance. The Nashville Police Department will then work individually to get them the immediate resources and help they need. Individuals will also be able to turn over any drugs or paraphernalia they have without fear of arrest or prosecution. The Nash County District Attorney Robert A. Evan was consulted and is supportive of the program.
The drugs or paraphernalia will be disposed of properly.
The HOPE initiative is modeled after the Gloucester, Massachusetts, Angel program.
Asked if Roanoke Rapids would consider implementing a program like HOPE, Hasty said that decision would be dependent on funds.
The department’s current policy, he said, is “if someone says they need help we will refer them. We let them know there is help. It’s just not about arrests. It affects the whole family.”
Other speakers include emergency room staff at Halifax Regional and Halifax County EMS.
Resources from mental health providers will be available.