Thrive (formerly the Berkshire Post-Overdose Program, or B-POP) sends specialists from the Brien Center and medical providers to outreach individuals who may be at risk for overdose, substance misuse or other harms related to substance use and mental health. Outreach includes a wellness check, naloxone distribution, connection to support and supplies, a safety plan, and links to mental health and medical services the person may be interested in.

For more information and to refer someone who may be in need of support: boapc.org/Thrive

The Community Outreach Specialists (COSes) focus on reducing personal and environmental substance use-related risks in Berkshire County towns/areas with higher rates of overdose and/or other potential risk factors for substance-related harms. The specialists first learn more about the unique needs and interests of these communities, their self-perceived risks from substance use, where they tend to gather, and how they prefer to receive information. They then develop and implement replicable strategies to help these community members protect themselves and each other from substance-related harms (including overdose, behavioral health crises and arrest/ re-arrest), and recommend services that address substance use, mental health and related social determinants of health.