Heroin Task Force connects residents with treatment this holiday season

Heroin Task Force connects residents with treatment this holiday season
On Sunday, December 9, 2018, District Attorney Katayoun Copeland, members of the Heroin Task Force and Delaware County Emergency Services joined MVP Recovery and the Springfield Cares Coalition to deliver care packages in Kensington, Philadelphia, to individuals struggling with addiction, many who are Delaware County residents, for Hope for the Holidays, an initiative started by Brian and Christine Corson, of MVP Recovery, four years ago.

While most of us are looking forward to enjoying the holiday season with family and friends, individuals suffering from substance abuse are often alone, struggling to find hope. This weekend, in an effort to bring hope, connect residents with recovery resources, and save lives, District Attorney Katayoun Copeland, members of the Heroin Task Force, and Delaware County Emergency Services joined MVP Recovery and the Springfield Cares Coalition to put together and deliver care packages to individuals struggling with addiction for HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, an initiative started by Brian and Christine Corson, of MVP Recovery, four years ago.

“We know that many individuals are in dire need of treatment, some who are on the brink of death, unless they receive immediate help. It is our goal to reach these individuals, bring them hope, and connect them with recovery resources to save lives so they can become productive, contributing members of our community,” said District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland, Chair of the Delaware County Heroin Task Force.

On Sunday, December 9, 2018, District Attorney Katayoun Copeland joined more than 30 volunteers from the recovery community to hand out more than 450 care packages, which included warm gloves, socks, and clothing items, along with a hot meal donated from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, to individuals in Kensington’s Hope Park, many who are Delaware County residents.

“With generous donations from businesses and individuals throughout Delaware County, over the past four years, the Hope for the Holidays event has delivered more than 1,000 care packages during the holiday season to those who are on the street and struggling with addiction,” said Brian Corson, Executive Director of MVP Recovery. “These care packages contain items such as winter socks, gloves, blankets, snacks, along with treatment and recovery resources, with the goal to provide comfort, and help to plant the seed and assist them in obtaining treatment.”

In addition to distributing these care packages, recovery specialists and volunteers interacted with individuals and worked to connect them with treatment. Last year through these efforts, four Delaware County residents were placed into treatment that very day. All individuals were homeless and suffering from opioid addiction, including residents from Springfield Township and Ridley Township.

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug addiction, please contact the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) hotline at 610-497-7278.