Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 7/29/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic Sarno and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi announced a joint partnership called the Project Rescue Initiative on July 15.
The partnership will allocate additional resources toward aiding people suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. Project Rescue features collaboration with local nonprofits, mental health providers and a team of on-the-street outreach workers to provide services and intervention engagement, according to the city’s press release. The relief efforts will target areas in the city known for active substance abuse and panhandling.
The response teams assemble law enforcement professionals, mental health clinicians, substance abuse counselors, medical professionals and community outreach workers alike. Teams will mobilize in vans capable of providing instant resources and outreach for people in need. The Hampden County Sheriff Department recently established a similar program with Holyoke community leaders called Hope Through Help.
Local entities like the Gándara Center, the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council and an array of mental health resource centers will be involved in Springfield’s Project Rescue efforts.
Mayor Domenic Sarno described Project Rescue not as a “policing initiative,” but instead as a humanitarian and public health initiative to save lives. He explained that the partnership will address an issue that was “exacerbated” by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for mental health and addiction resources and services across the country. … Working together, this dedicated community response and engagement team can address and provide the services and resources needed for those individuals in need, especially those suffering from mental health or addiction,” said Sarno in the city’s press release.
Cocchi expressed similar optimism about the initiative’s potential impact in Springfield.
“This is an innovative collaboration that allows us to bring help, hope and compassion to the streets, right to the people who need it most. … We’re going into the most difficult neighborhoods across Hampden County and helping make things better,” said Cocchi in the city’s press release.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris shared that Project Rescue will additionally feature the Office of Racial Equity in a supportive role. Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi and Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood also expressed support for the project’s community-wide goals.
“The more resources and collaborative partnerships we have to address the public health and mental health needs of our community, the better the Springfield Police Department can serve our residents and business community,” said Clapprood.