CO-OP

The mission of the Lowell Community Opioid Outreach Program (CO-OP) is to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the City of Lowell while increasing the number of overdose victims who access treatment services.

The Lowell Community Opioid Outreach Program (CO-OP) is an innovative program made up of first responders and clinicians that brings together public and nonprofit organizations to address the opioid crisis in the City of Lowell. The CO-OP is a partnership between Lowell Fire Department, Lowell Health Department, Lowell House Recovery and Addiction Treatment, Lowell Police Department, and Trinity EMS.

The Lowell CO-OP is committed to reducing the number of deaths attributed to opioid overdose and is helping its clients towards the path to recovery by bridging the gaps in treatment services. The Lowell CO-OP follows-up with overdose victims and their families 24-48 hours after an opioid overdose, and facilitates access to treatment and harm reduction services for the overdose survivor and supportive services for their families. 

The Lowell CO-OP works specifically in the Lowell community by following-up and engaging with clients in personal residences, the local shelter, and campsites, and offers education on treatment services, harm reduction, and other support services. The Lowell CO-OP also builds relationships with treatment providers and other local resources as a means to best serve the community.

Youth Services

Lowell CO-OP’s Youth Outreach Specialist reduces the impact of the opioid crisis on Lowell’s youth and their families. The Youth Outreach Specialist honors this mission by educating the community on substance use and resources, building community partnerships, and providing case management for youth and families in the city. These youth services aim to strengthen families with individualized program referrals, as well as empower youth to make healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives.

Due to adolescent brain development, youth under 25 are more vulnerable to addiction when they use drugs or alcohol. The Youth Outreach Specialist educates community members and local agencies on the unique dangers associated with youth substance use. With this information, youth can make informed decisions in their daily lives that protect them from developing a substance use disorder.

The Lowell CO-OP does not believe in a “one-size fits all” approach. Like any individual in need of help, youth benefit most from programming that fits their unique needs. The Youth Outreach Specialist builds tight-knit connections between youth serving agencies in Lowell to ensure youth and families who have been impacted by the opioid crisis have the right team of providers developing their care plan. 

Recovery is a lifelong journey. Helping youth and families access the most appropriate resources to address their needs can take time. The Youth Outreach Specialist – as well as the whole Lowell CO-OP team – work with individuals for as long as it takes to ensure that they access services ideal for their health and wellbeing. 

To learn more about Lowell CO-OP’s youth services, schedule an educational presentation, or to make a referral, please call (978) 631-7240.