MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Quick Response Team is making a difference. Berkeley County Recovery Resources says overdose deaths have been on the decline since the introduction of the team back in 2020.
Quick Response Team Case Manager Kaitlyn Himes says since the inception of the Quick Response team in the county, “We’ve seen about a 50 percent decrease in overdoses, so it’s working.”
When they get word of a recent overdose, the team deploys to provide information, resources, and support to the addict as well as family members.
Himes says a key to helping addicts overcome their reticence to seeking treatment is the QRT team’s non-judgmental approach.
Himes talks about their approach. “We actually get boots on the ground. We get to see people.”
“We get to make that contact with them and say, hey man, no judgement here — If you want help, if you want things to be different, we can absolutely help you with that.”
They talk about resources for the individual as well as family members. Those can include “everything from addiction treatment, housing, and much more. Our Peer Recovery Coaches provide one on one follow up with those who choose one of the many pathways of recovery,” according to the Resource Center’s Website. Those services are offered at no cost to those taking part.
Himes talked about next steps for anyone struggling with addiction.
“Call the Resource Center. Everybody that’s in the (Recovery) Resource Center knows how to help and do it in such a loving way. We care for these people. We just want to see them get better and get help.”
The QRT team can be reached at 304-350-3080 or emailed at [email protected]
