Portsmouth Event Aims to Help People with Drug Addiction

Portsmouth Police and Portsmouth Regional Hospital will hold a Community Access to Recovery Day on July 12 to help people with drug addictions.

The free event, a first of its kind in the city, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

It is in response to a significant increase in narcotic-related incidents, such as overdoses, crime and even deaths in greater Portsmouth and across New Hampshire, said Corey F. MacDonald, Deputy Chief of Police.

Police will continue to use traditional enforcement strategies, but the Community Access to Recovery Day is "an approach that recognizes the difficulty that those addicted face in getting off of opiates, such as heroin, and its prescription drug equivalents," according to Portsmouth Police, in its announcement July 1.

The Portsmouth Police Department is collaborating with the hospital, Seacoast Mental Health, Hampstead Hospital, Southeastern Services, and other community providers to coordinate the day.

Counselors will be on hand to assist those looking to find help, such as potential individual or group counseling and support, or residential treatment programs available.

Other community groups involved include Seacoast Public Health Network, Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention, Hampstead Hospital, Sexual Assault Support Services, Southeastern New Hampshire Services, Families First.

An "Amnesty Box" will be on site where attendees are encouraged to bring any illicit or prescription drugs or paraphernalia to be turned in anonymously – with no questions asked. 

Police said no one turning in drugs or paraphernalia at the event will be prosecuted.