The first step to overcoming drug or alcohol addiction is never an easy one. Making the decision to simply “do it” isn’t always the hardest part, either. Often, beds in detoxification facilities aren’t available, or there’s no one to help you. The safe station program in Newport has set out to change that.
According to information provided by the RI Department of Health, the number of drug deaths in the state has risen significantly since 2014, and every town in the state has had at least one drug-related death. Safe stations have been implemented as a 24/7 haven for anyone ready to get their life back on track.
The first safe stations were established in Providence. Through the efforts of the Newport Prevention Coalition, Hope Recovery Center and the Newport Fire Department, along with a grant from RI’s Community Overdose Engagement program, Newport was able to implement the safe station program in June. Fire Captain Jared Minick said that each of the three firehouses in Newport are now safe stations.