Norwood joins regional recovery coach program; Riverside hires one coach

John Pike, a recovery coach with Riverside Community Care, told the Town of Norwood Board of Health on April 28 that Riverside and several neighboring towns have launched a shared-service program called Connect to Recovery and that the program has hired a recovery coach who will accept referrals from Norwood.

"A recovery coach is somebody that helps somebody in the process for figuring out what they want to do for their recovery journey," John Pike said, describing the role as a resource broker who can help clients set goals and connect them to housing and other community supports.

Pike said the service is available to people 18 and older. He said MassHealth currently supports recovery coaching, but the program will accept insured and uninsured people through Riverside's internal referral process. "If they have insurance, that does not have insurance, has the opportunity to receive recovery code service," he said.

Town staff said the police department has been briefed and will provide referral information at roll call; the chief distributed information to officers. Pike said he will attend a police roll call as a meet-and-greet to make officers aware of the referral form and contact protocol.

Pike asked that referrals or questions be sent to the regional email address nnc-8@riversidecc.org. He said he can accept direct phone calls when his card is available and that he will distribute a one-page referral form and a business card via the health department.

Participants on the Board of Health expressed support for the program as a way to fill gaps for people who need ongoing support after treatment or who do not have insurance. Board members noted that the program began with one hire and can expand as demand grows.

The Board did not take any formal action on the program at the meeting; the presentation was informational and focused on how residents and town staff can refer people to Riverside.