SALEM — Every September since 1989, those working to address addiction and mental health issues have celebrated Recovery Month, marking the progress of the nation’s recovery community as well as the service providers whose efforts facilitate that progress.
On the local level, one such organization is Essex County Outreach (ECO), a collaborative effort of all 34 Essex County police departments and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Kevin Coppinger. For those with substance-use or alcohol-use disorders and related mental health needs, Essex County Outreach provides connections to supportive assistance as well as other services for at-risk individuals and families, including veteran- and youth-specific referrals. In 2024, the program helped approximately 200 individuals enter sober living.
Founding ECO Director and Newburyport Police Department Inspector Dani Sinclair says law enforcement’s evolving approach to addiction and recovery has been transformative.
“At its core, policing has always been about the desire to help people,” Sinclair says. “When we continuously respond to the same residence or individuals, we need to get to the root of the problem and think of other options. Resources are available, and the role of our partners and ECO recovery coaches cannot be overstated. They provide a balance in offering compassion and guidance while also holding individuals accountable and challenging excuses that may hinder progress.”
For many, this approach can be the difference between recidivism and recovery, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.
“We see the impacts of drug and alcohol disorders in courthouses throughout Essex County every day, and we know that the best outcomes belong to those able to rise above their addictions, however reaching recovery is much easier with support tailored to the individual,” Tucker says. “Not just during Recovery Month but in every month, we deeply appreciate the challenging but crucial work of Essex County Outreach in connecting our local neighbors who are struggling to the appropriate clinical help and restorative coaching that can best foster their long-term recovery.”
If you are looking for assistance from Essex County Outreach, call 978-961-7388 or fill out the form at EssexCountyOutreach.com/contact-us.