Co-Response News & Research

Massachusetts is changing how to better respond to and support individuals with substance use disorders. The Advocates co-responder jail diversion model is helping to equip police departments to assist, rather than arrest, and connect people experiencing mental health or substance-related crisis to the resources they need. Read this recent Mothers Jones article to learn more.

Many times when law enforcement answers a call, it is not a straightforward situation. There may be stressful family dynamics or a person with an emotional, mental health or substance abuse issue at play.

Mayor Spicer held the conversation in order to help erase the stigma surrounding mental health, but also to make the public aware of the resources at their fingertips they may not have known about.

Combatting stigma against mental illness (and teaching it young), statistics about Framingham residents feeling depressed and how the city can help its underserved was discussed by a panel of mental and public health professionals Thursday night during a Community Conversation, hosted by Mayor Yvonne Spicer.

Every month Chief Jeffrey Lourie of the Westborough Police Department hosts "Breakfast with the Chief" at the Westborough Senior Center.