Substance abuse causes tremendous suffering to both individuals and their families. When you or a loved one experiences an overdose, you need immediate help to recover as well as long-term support to overcome addiction. BCHIP is here to provide that help through a program known as BCARES.
BCARES
BCARES is a collaboration of many healthcare and behavioral health partners throughout Bucks County. These organizations work together to provide assistance to individuals who have survived an opioid overdose. BCARES also provides services to individuals with any substance use disorder who are being treated in a Bucks County hospital.
BCARES stands for Bucks County Connect. Assess. Refer. Engage. Support. Through BCARES, we provide recovery support, education, resources, and direct connection from the ER or hospital to ongoing treatment.
BCARES supports any individual in a Bucks County hospital who has experienced an opioid overdose, regardless of the person’s county of residence or insurance. The Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission (BDAC) will fund the first three days of treatment for an opioid overdose survivor, regardless of insurance, while the treatment facility arranges ongoing funding options.
Certified Recovery Specialists
A cornerstone of our program that drives its success is the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS). These are individuals who are in long-term recovery from substance use and have been trained and certified as support for others struggling with addiction. The CRS meets with each person individually, using his or her lived experience to provide needed emotional support, while coordinating the appropriate next steps for the recovering person’s care. This includes a warm hand-off to the next step of treatment services, including arranging transportation, if necessary. The CRS remains in contact with the person for 30 days, helping him or her succeed in long-term recovery.
If an individual is hospitalized but has not experienced an overdose, hospital staff will still arrange for the person to meet with a CRS to help provide the necessary recovery, support, education, and resources to overcome substance abuse and prevent an overdose.
BCARES Family Connect
Just as we have CRS who have experienced substance abuse to work with individuals fighting addiction, we have Family Connect, led by people whose loved ones have experienced addiction, to work with affected families. Our Family Connect support members share their lived experiences with struggling families and provide them with resources to help them journey to healing and health with their loved ones. Family Connect volunteers are available 24/7, either in hospital ERs, or by telephone, text, or email.
Contact information:
Kimberly S. London, Drug and Alcohol Program Specialist
Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
55 E Court Street, 4th Floor
Doylestown PA, 18901
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Email: kslondon@buckscounty.org
Get Help Now
Bucks County, the state, and the federal government all provide hotlines and websites to help people dealing with addiction as well as mental health crises. Here is a short list of resources:
- Call BCDAC at (215) 444-2700 for local resources and information, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
- Call PA Get Help NOW Hotline: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP), available 24/7
- Dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 access to trained personnel who can talk people through their crisis and connect them with local agencies that can provide immediate help.
- Narcan is distributed at various locations throughout the county or it can be ordered online; click here to learn more ways to procure Narcan and receive training.
- For local support for a wide variety of needs, from healthcare to housing to food to legal help, visit www.findhelp.org.
Substance abuse can be overcome with the right support. At BCHIP, we are committed to providing you with that support. You and your loved ones are not alone. Reach out for help.
