Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Selected as a Pilot Site for Nationwide Anti-Stigma Initiative

Thanks to the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

Dedham MA- Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott announced at the end of last month that the Norfolk County Sheriff’s
Office (NCSO) has been selected as a pilot site for the nationwide Anti-Stigma Initiative
launched by the Addiction Policy Forum. The Anti-Stigma Initiative includes over 100 pilot sites
nationwide with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office being the only jail in New England to be
chosen for this program.

Starting in December, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will provide participants with one-on-
one counseling and small group sessions which address the roadblocks the stigma of addiction
can create. Participants will also receive information on the science of addiction, evidence-
based treatment options, and medications to treat addiction.

“In order to have a chance in successfully fighting against the stigma and grip of substance use
disorders, we must continue to pursue all avenues of treatment, intervention and education.
The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office is at the forefront of this battle, and is committed to finding
solutions to this health care crisis,” said Sheriff McDermott. “This partnership with the Anti-
Stigma Initiative will provide those we serve with additional tools to help overcome substance
use disorder and remain on a successful, healthy path forward.”

As part of the pilot, NCSO will participate in a study being conducted by the University of
Delaware and the Addiction Policy Forum (APF). The study aims to measure addiction
knowledge, confidence in responding to a substance use disorder, and levels of stigma,
including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. NCSO will also field test the “Responding
to Addiction” intervention developed by the APF to increase knowledge about substance use
disorders, correct misconceptions, and reduce stigma.

"We are excited to partner with Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office on our Anti-Stigma Initiative,"
says Jessica Hulsey, executive director of the Addiction Policy Forum. "Addiction is a
misunderstood disease that is frequently stigmatized in a way that other chronic diseases, such
as diabetes and heart disease, are not, which too often discourages individuals and families
from getting the help they need. This initiative will help expand education around addiction,
debunk the myths and misinformation, and lead with evidence, not bias, to reduce addiction
stigma in communities nationwide."

The pilot sites, including NCSO will be working to reduce stigma of addiction and increase
knowledge about addiction in their communities. To learn more about the Anti-Stigma
Initiative, visit https://www.addictionpolicy.org/anti-stigmainitiative.