MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Berkeley County Recovery Resources says overdose deaths have been on the decline since the introduction of their Quick Response Team in 2020.
Case Manager Kaitlyn Himes said since the team’s inception, “We’ve seen about a 50 percent decrease in overdoses, so it’s working.”
Himes has stats to back that claim up:
· Total number of flagged calls: (These are calls that were flagged by EMS as suspected overdoses)
2019-2020: 510
2020-2021: 631
2021-2022: 400
2022-2023: 255
· Total number of reported deaths: (These are reported deaths due to overdose)
2019-2020: 42
2020-2021: 48
2021-2022: 33
2022-2023: 30
Since QRT began in Berkeley County in October 2020, 48 percent of the survivors reached accepted some form of services from us. This includes peer coaching, outpatient services, inpatient detox/treatment, recovery meetings etc. — Source: Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center
Himes said when they get word of an overdose, the team deploys to provide information, resources and support to the addict as well as family members. They average anywhere from 20 to 30 calls each month.
A key to helping addicts overcome their reservations to seeking treatment is their non-judgmental approach, Himes said.
“We actually get boots on the ground. We get to see people,” she said. “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.”
Himes said 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.
The services are offered at no cost to those taking part.
Himes said anyone struggling with addiction should call their 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,” she said.
The Quick Response Team can be reached at 304-350-3080 or email at [email protected].
