(From the Midland Daily News)

As part of its ongoing effort to confront the current drug and overdose crisis with compassion, Face Addiction Now (FAN, formerly Families Against Narcotics) is expanding the reach of their Comeback Quick Response Team program in Bay County by partnering with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

The Comeback initiative is a compassionate approach to supporting community members whose lives have been affected by substance use. The Quick Response Team is a specialized unit consisting of a plainclothes police officer, certified peer recovery coach, and family recovery coach. This dedicated team conducts visits to people in the community who have survived a non-fatal overdose or who have had contact with first responders as a result of their substance use.

The primary goal of the QRT is to establish contact with the individual. The team will meet the person and their family where they’re at, offering compassion and support while facilitating access to harm-reduction resources, peer support services, case management, recovery services, and other community resources.

Since its inception in February of 2020, FAN’s Comeback QRT initiative has continued to expand to law enforcement agencies across the state. Although FAN’s QRT has been active in the Bay City Department of Public Safety since December of 2023, this new partnership with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office will allow the program to help even more residents in the area.

“The Bay County Sheriff’s Office has expanded our partnership with Face Addiction Now and is proud to announce the launch of a Quick Response Team dedicated to supporting families affected by substance use disorders,” Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham said. “This initiative will provide immediate assistance, tailored resources, and crucial guidance to help families navigate the challenges of substance use disorders, fostering a healthier and more resilient community. Through collaborative efforts and timely intervention, we aim to reduce the impact of substance use and enhance the well-being of our community.”

“The Comeback Quick Response Team is an outstanding opportunity for law enforcement to assist a vulnerable segment of the community,” Comeback program director Erin Whitkopf stated. “Police are on the front lines of saving lives daily and this program is another impactful way for them to contribute. We are proud to collaborate with the Bay County Sheriff's Office.”

A press conference will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Bay County Sheriff's Office, 503 Third St, Room 100, in Bay City. Speakers will include Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham and FAN director of community partnerships Lori Ziolkowski.