Stacy, the town health director, announced that Norwood has partnered with Riverside to provide a recovery coach, Johnny Pike, who will work with people across all phases of substance-use recovery.

Stacy said the program is intended to fill a gap in local recovery services; the coach can assist people seeking to begin treatment, those leaving treatment who need community support, and people in long-term recovery who want ongoing contact. An intake form will be used and the intake must be completed with the person seeking help rather than submitted by a third party.

The director said the program will be promoted on the health department website and to local first responders, recovery centers and school staff; the police department and school wellness staff will be informed so officers and school staff who encounter someone in need can refer them to the coach. Stacy said statistics will be provided in aggregate but individual referrals will remain private.

Stacy noted insurance coverage varies: MassHealth may cover some services but private insurers may not, and the program is intended to fill service gaps when insurance coverage is absent.

Ending: Riverside will present details at the next board meeting, and the board welcomed the partnership as a step to expand recovery support for residents.