Community Impact Team Announces Peer Recovery Coach Program

The North Reading Community Impact Team is pleased to announce the launch of its Peer Recovery Coach Program. A Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) is a non-clinical professional with lived experience with addiction. PRCs engage, educate, and support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. North Reading has contracted both Emily Earle and Jamie Dalton to provide this service free of charge to anyone who lives or works in North Reading. The Community Impact Team invites members of the community who are in recovery to consider utilizing this free support program. Police Chief Mark Zimmerman explained, “We’re happy to welcome these two professionals to the team and we’re confident that this program will only enhance the long-term services available to those that need it.” The North Reading Peer Recovery Coach Program is funded by Opioid Abatement Funds.

Funds must be used to mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis, including prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery programs. PRC Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “We have determined that investing in a Peer Recovery Coach program is a priority for North Reading.” She added, “We hired Mental Health/Substance Use Clinician Laura Miranda in October, 2018 and she’s been excellent in finding treatment and detox for residents. This is the next step to help those in recovery prevent relapse and focus on a sustainable plan for sobriety.”

Miranda said that the launch of this program is perfect timing, noting, “September is National Recovery Month.” According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.” Miranda added, “This program is in alignment with the aims of this campaign.”

To participate in the free Peer Recovery Coach program, please contact Laura Miranda at 978-357-5038 or email her at lmiranda@nrpd.org.