Called Change on Main, this resource center will be located at 1830 Main Street in Northampton. It will assist individuals in establishing connections and accessing resources. Being involved in a recovery community and having sober support can help individuals maintain sobriety and become productive citizens. It will be paid for from a block grant as well as local fines and fees from DUIs. There will be one full-time paid employee and volunteers. It will offer yoga classes, art activities, 12-Step meetings and sober events such as open mic nights, karaoke and holiday meals. Computers and internet access will be available for resume writing and job searches. Certified Recovery Specialists will be available to individuals referred to the program. No treatment will be offered at this site.
In 2017, there were 1,236 arrests for driving under the influence in Northampton County as well as 558 reported overdoses, 109 of which were fatal. Pennsylvania’s rate of overdoses is higher than the national average. Fatal opioid overdoses increased by over 400% in Pa. between 2006 and 2016.
Change on Main will be the fourth resource center for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Recovery services for Northampton County residents are also available at the Bethlehem Recovery Center, Change on 3rd Street, and A Clean Slate.
Bethlehem Recovery Center
548 North New Street – First Floor
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-849-2209
Change on 3rd Street
117 N. 3rd Street
Easton, PA 18042
610-829-2770
A Clean Slate
100 S. 1st Street
Bangor, PA 18013
610-452-9348
When the grant ends do the property tax owners pick up the tab?
ReplyDeleteI do not believe this grant ends. But if it does, a hard decision will have to be made.
ReplyDeleteGreat work Drug and Alcohol division. This is a much needed resource in the Northampton area. Every county should invest in its citizens battling the disease of addiction. We need to support those in recovery. They are our brothers, sisters, moms, dads, kids.... it’s easy to sit back until it’s your own family member struggling. I don’t know one person who wakes up and says I think I’ll be a drug addict or an alcoholic today. We need to stop shaming people and start supporting individuals. The more we invest in people’s recovery the more we save on treatment. Prevention efforts and recovery supports are key to battling the epidemic we are facing. I commend the County for its efforts. Our citizens receive treatment, our schools receive prevention programs, and those in recovery are receiving supports. The County has shown a continued commitment to its residents. Well done!
ReplyDeleteBull shit! Stop calling it a disease, it’s a fucking choice! And I don’t want my tax dollars bailing out some junkies stupid decisions. Disease? Typical liberal response take money from responsible citizens and give it to morons that need a fix.
ReplyDelete10.31
ReplyDelete" it’s a fucking choice!"
Yes it is .You can decide to treat addicts and help your fellow man or pay much more to keep them in jail.
Because dollars are your concern the treatment of addicts is cheaper.
What does ABE say about this
ReplyDeleteTreatment or jail? That's just profiteering off the drug problem.
ReplyDeleteJust give them the drugs free, that would be the cheapest.
Help people get what they choose when it's the cheapest option.
In reply to little chicken-crap Anonymous: Since 1956 the AMA has called addiction or substance abuse a disease. It is a combination of behavioral, genetic and biological factors. About 50% of those with addiction issues have a genetic predisposition. If not stopped, addiction is a progressive disease which can result in death.
ReplyDeleteSince it is a brain disease, once a person's addiction becomes a chronic disorder; their sense of willpower is greatly hampered. These people don't ask to be addicts. And many times those without the means or families with means end up on the streets homeless and not receiving any treatment. Many times these treatment and recovery centers become the "family" or community they need to heal and recover. It is a lifetime journey.
You would not disparage someone with cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's, etc. Neither should we cast aside those who suffer from addiction. The consequences of untreated addiction are physical and mental and can become disabling and life threatening. We need to learn about addiction and substance abuse before we start making uneducated, Neanderthal remarks. Almost every family has been touched by substance abuse issue and casting people aside or throwing them out on the street is no longer an accepted method of treatment. The key word is treatment which is a lot cheaper than jail and incarceration is not treatment. God help us and God help those who suffer if we all felt like Anonymous.
Now if we could only get Lehigh County to catch up with Northampton County in providing community recovery centers. I applaud Northampton County. These centers can bering down cost of First Responders, police and increase productivity on the job!
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