“Hope Not Handcuffs” Program is in Sullivan

MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office and Sullivan County’s Drug Task Force announced their participation in the “Hope Not Handcuffs” Hudson Valley program.
“We are excited to be able to offer this resource to our community and open our front door as a first step in recovery from substance use disorders,” said Meagan Galligan, District Attorney and co-chair of the Task Force. “We will begin participating this fall.”

“Anyone seeking help fighting substance use disorders may come to any local police station and ask for the ‘Hope Not Handcuffs’ program,” explained Wendy Brown, Deputy Commissioner of the Sullivan County Division of Health & Family Services and co-chair of the Task Force. “Everyone will be treated with compassion and respect, while a call will be made to an ‘angel’ volunteer from the Hope Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley team who will actively seek out a treatment plan.”

Individuals suffering from substance use issues will instantly be connected to an advocate and a network of resources designed to lead them to success, rather than arrest – the idea being to encourage them to seek recovery and regain control of their lives.

Hope Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley, a program of the Tri-County Community Partnership, is aimed at bringing law enforcement, community organizations and volunteers together to find viable treatment options for individuals seeking help to reduce dependency with any substance, including heroin, prescription drugs, and alcohol.

The parent program was founded in Michigan and, since its inception, has expanded to include over 100 police departments in that state, connecting more than 4,800 participants with the resources and treatment they need. With Tri-County Community Partnership’s assistance, Hope Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley spread to New York State in 2019, making it a national organization. This award-winning, evidence-backed effort is now in 60 police departments in five area counties (soon to be six with Sullivan County).

For more information, stop by your local police station, call 833-428-HOPE or visit www.tricountycommunitypartnership.org/program-information.

Hope, Not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley is also seeking volunteer “angels” specifically for Sullivan County. “Angels” are people who help participants complete paperwork and place a call to the appropriate provider for treatment assistance.

Meetings are safe and always take place at a participating police station. Once a treatment option is found, transportation is arranged.

Volunteers pick their “on call” days and hours, after they have completed training.