Substance use disorder is an ongoing public health concern in Lowell, as it is throughout the state and country. The Substance Abuse and Prevention Division works with a wide network of health, safety, and educational organizations throughout the city and the region to address the issues around substance misuse and abuse.
Services
- Provide credible and accurate information regarding initiatives and efforts to address Substance Use Disorder in the city.
- Provide outreach education to schools, youth and family-serving agencies, and community organizations.
- Connect individuals with Substance Use Disorder and families with treatment options and support and recovery resources.
- Work to ensure adequate treatment options are available to meet the needs of the community.
- Work to effect changes to social norms around Substance Use Disorder and harm reduction practices.
- Promote a deeper understanding of Substance Use Disorder as a disease and public health crisis.
- Provide options for proper disposal of unwanted medications and sharps (needles, lancets, EpiPens).
- Provide educational opportunities on safe disposal and storage of medication and sharps to improve knowledge and decrease stigma.
- Collaborate with community agencies to promote and implement prevention and harm reduction efforts.
- Strengthen knowledge of local substance use, mental health, medical, supportive, and recovery resources.