Anyone looking to escape addiction welcome

DOVER, N.H. - Whether you're from Lebanon, Milton, Rochester or anywhere else for that matter, organizers of the first Strafford County Access to Recovery Day want you to know one thing: If you're looking to escape the scourge of drug addiction, please come and begin your recovery on Saturday.

The event will be held at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in Dover where a host of service organizations and groups will be on hand ready to guide participants through a process where the healing can begin.

Carrie Conway, a coordinator of Strafford County Criminal Justice programs like drug and mental health courts, said on Monday that the Strafford County Sheriff's Department and area Police Chiefs sponsored the event because they want to provide advocacy, not just enforcement.

"We want to be a partner, not just put on the cuffs," Conway said. "We want to be a resource, help you get off substances. We can't arrest our way out of this problem."

Conway, who is a coordinator of the event, said substance abuse advisers, mental health workers and self-help groups will all be on site as well as experts on housing and medical benefits. She said Obamacare includes increased funding for those with substance abuse issues and that those who maybe couldn't get help in the past should look into such programs again.

"We want to help people navigate the system for benefits," Conway said. "Obamacare and Medicaid expansion has opened up more money."

Even though many of the programs are New Hampshire specific, she included a special invitation for Lebanon residents.

"Lebanon residents shouldn't be afraid to come. We want to advocate for everyone," she added.

At least 20 different vendors are expected.

There will also be an "Amnesty Box" where attendees are encouraged to bring any illicit or prescription drugs or paraphernalia to be turned in anonymously to an ununiformed law officer with no questions asked. Items such as drugs, needles, spoons, smoking pipes, bongs, etc. may all be turned in and will be disposed of by local law enforcement.
No one turning in drugs or paraphernalia at this event between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be prosecuted by law enforcement.

The event will be held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Conference Rooms A, B and C. Attendees can enter through the main entrance and look for signs directing them to the individual rooms.

Parking is best on garage levels 3, 4 and 5.
The event is free and light refreshments will be available.