BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - A pilot effort to visit overdose victims in Burlington, Vermont, has raised concerns from the very individuals the program hopes to help.
The Burlington Free Press reports the outreach program began its four-month pilot Thursday. The Burlington Police Department’s opioid policy coordinator, Jackie Corbally, is leading the program. Burlington’s safe response team will visit overdose patients and provide treatment information following emergency calls.
Some overdose patients say the program won’t work because many people who use drugs are afraid of police or don’t trust law enforcement.
Burlington police Chief Brandon del Pozo says the department is working on strengthening community relations. Del Pozo says the program doesn’t center on arrests but instead is focused on helping people receive treatment.
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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
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