Gloucester, MA Police Chief Leonard Campanello is a man of courage and compassion who truly understands the motto of serve and protect.
Today he took to his department’s Facebook page to address the four heroin overdoses in that community on Saturday and to renew his commitment to treat rather than to arrest and punish addicts.
Much like the March 2015 post that started this whole thing, today I write directly to the person suffering from addiction. Gloucester had 4 overdoses in the last 24 hours. Thats the bad news. The good news is all were brought back to us by the increased availability and proliferation of Narcan. A City outside Boston had 30 overdoses in the last 48 hours.
Some will say “oh its a bad batch”.Bullshit…there is no good Heroin. You are important and worth it. There is no incentive or punishment that this disease responds to. We cannot say “Do this for your family or your child” or “If you dont stop we’re going to arrest you”. We know that doesn’t work. But we know what can…we accept you. We know that you don’t want this. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you when you want it. There is recovery and a new life that can and should be yours. You deserve it. Your life is more meaningful than your death. Don’t be ashamed of your illness. We are not ashamed of you, It’s time…come and get the help…and if you’re discouraged because you’ve tried before, know that relapse is part of the disease and we will be there again and again and again until you make it. And you can make it. Even if you’re not ready, call us. We will put you in touch with someone from our program who is in recovery and has been in the same place as you. Someone who understands.
We’ve dedicated thae last 8 months to helping YOU. Why? Because we don’t want to lose you. When you’re ready, we will be here.
The Gloucester Police Department, myself included, will accept no further award (sorry Michael Moore, but thank you) or recognition until every person in this country that suffers from addiction has immediate access to sustainable care. And we’ve wiped the ground with every scumbag, POS dealer that only sells for profit. We see you, you leeches of human life, and you’ll pay. In this life or the next.
Treatment providers…thank you for helping.
Insurance companies of Massachusetts (MAHP), congrats for being an unexpected hero in this.
Law enforcement partners…you continue to amaze.
Legislators, thank you for moving fast to start introducing bils that will at least help a part of the problem. Do more faster.Prescribers, Pharma…we are waiting. And our patience grows thin. Do you want to be a real conduit to treatment and care, or do you want to be a dealer? Guess which one law enforcement wants you to be?…but we’ll deal effectively with either. Your choice.
There is hope.
Chief C
From the Gloucester Police Department Website
For Addicts and their Friends, Families, and Caregivers
Are you addicted to heroin, opioids, or other drugs? Know someone who is?
It’s time to get help.
The Gloucester Police Department has created a revolutionary new policing program aimed at getting addicts the help they need, instead of putting them in handcuffs.
How does it work?
If an addict comes into the Gloucester Police Department and asks for help, an officer will take them to the Addison Gilbert Hospital, where they will be paired with a volunteer “ANGEL” who will help guide them through the process. We have partnered with more than a dozen additional treatment centers to ensure that our patients receive the care and treatment they deserve — not in days or weeks, but immediately.
If you have drugs or drug paraphernalia on you, we will dispose of it for you. You will not be arrested. You will not be charged with a crime. You will not be jailed.
All you have to do is come to the police station and ask for help. We are here to do just that.
197 Main St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
