The Norwood Board of Health is taking significant steps to enhance community support for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. During a recent meeting, board members discussed a new partnership with Riverside Community Care, which will introduce a recovery coach program aimed at providing personalized assistance to residents at various stages of their recovery journey.

The recovery coach, Johnny Pike, will be available to help individuals who are just beginning their recovery, those transitioning out of treatment, and even those who have been in recovery for years and need ongoing support. This initiative is part of a broader effort to fill gaps in mental health and substance use services within the community, making Norwood one of the first towns to implement such a program in collaboration with Riverside.

Board members emphasized the importance of community outreach, noting that information about the recovery coach and the intake process will be made available on the town's website. They also plan to inform local police and fire departments, as well as recovery centers, to ensure that those in need can easily access these resources. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing individuals to seek help voluntarily and confidentially.

In addition to the recovery coach initiative, discussions also touched on enhancing mental health services for children and families. Board members are working with local mental health resources to ensure that individuals seeking help for substance use can receive appropriate support, particularly for those who may be hesitant to approach certain facilities.

The board's commitment to addressing substance use and mental health issues reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of these challenges and the need for comprehensive community support systems. As the program develops, residents can look forward to more resources and assistance tailored to their needs.