MetroHealth, Euclid police partnering in new overdose treatment program

MetroHealth and Euclid are partnering to expand an innovative program to get people who have recently overdosed into treatment.

A Quick Response Team pairs a social worker from MetroHealth’s Office of Opioid Safety with an officer from the Euclid Police Department, according to a news release. They began making home visits in Euclid last week.

“This program will save lives by going into Euclid’s neighborhoods to bring hope and help to people who desperately need it,” MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Akram Boutros said in the release. “We know the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an unprecedented substance abuse crisis, and we continue to work with partners to advance solutions.”

“The Euclid Police Department is excited to partner with MetroHealth,” Police Chief Scott Meyer said in the release. “We are committed to doing our part to address drug abuse and overdose deaths. This partnership provides yet another avenue for our officers to engage positively with our residents in order to potentially save lives.”

“Our police officers see firsthand the devastating impact an overdose can have and this partnership will enable us to provide residents and their families the help they need and to reduce the number of overdoses,” Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer Gail said in the release. “This partnership is a great example of the Euclid Police Department’s commitment to serving our residents while also seeking pro-active solutions to improve our safety and quality of life. We are truly grateful for the partnership and resources being provided by MetroHealth.”

MetroHealth has similar programs operating in Parma, Cleveland, Rocky River, Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park and North Olmsted.

QRTs involve a team of social workers or addiction counselors paired with a first-responder visiting the home of the person who overdosed and offering to take them to treatment on the spot. If they decline rehabilitation, the QRT leaves behind information about available treatment and other resources.

MetroHealth QRTs met with more than 250 individuals or families last year. The program is funded through a federal grant to MetroHealth’s Office of Opioid Safety. There is no cost to Euclid, the release stated.