Members of the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region say things have been difficult during the pandemic because some residents are not only dealing with the fears and challenges that accompany COVID-19, but their addictions, too.
The task force met on Zoom last week to talk about COVID-19 and its impact on judiciary and public safety, as well as how providers and those struggling with addiction are coping.
While members say partners — including the task force, jail, courts, social service agencies and treatment providers — are doing a great job with the limitations they face because of the virus and social distancing, those struggling with addiction are learning new ways to get the support they need, much of it virtually or by phone, and some from peers.
Antoinetta DeAngelis, chief probation officer for Greenfield District Court and co-chair of the task force’s Public Safety and Justice Committee, said it has been “really difficult on all fronts.” She said everyone is struggling and it appears there may be an uptick in overdoses, suicides and domestic violence issues. That could be because people at risk and with the most needs are staying at home, sometimes in unsafe conditions.
DeAngelis said Greenfield District Court has been very busy, even though it is not open. Staff is working remotely, addressing the most serious issues, including restraining orders, motions for release, dangerousness hearings — which are a little behind — and bail hearings. She said probation officers are making sure people are in compliance.
“We’re working closely with providers for increased support,” she said. “Participants are working with probation officers at least three times a week for support. They’re doing FaceTime when needed. People who are in recovery are having three to five virtual meetings a week.”
All other courts are doing the same, except on case-by-case emergencies, and even then with very little contact.
Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr., co-chair of the task force’s Public Safety and Justice Committee, said his biggest concern is that his department is finding itself holding people who have been arrested and are awaiting arraignment or bail longer than he would like during the pandemic. He would prefer to see them wait in the holding center at the courthouse, where there would be a much slimmer chance of those who might test positive for COVID-19 passing it to others.
“This is stressful for everyone,” Haigh said. “My staff is possibly being exposed because arraignments aren’t being done in a timely manner.”
Opioid Task Force Co-Chair and Register of Probate John Merrigan noted courts most likely will not reopen until June.
Until then, DeAngelis said, people facing addiction are spending four hours a day with Drug Court-related activities. She said there has been a lot of compliance.
“People are talking about their triggers and maintaining the course,” she said.
Members report that courts are providing weekly contact with people and working on re-entry when they are preparing to leave the jail after serving their sentences. They say the good news is that treatment centers have remained open, though they are practicing social distancing and other recommendations.
Sheriff Christopher Donelan, co-chair of the Opioid Task Force, said the jail is keeping prisoners and staff safe and distanced. Shutting down early to outsiders and taking precautions have been successful, he said, and has minimized the number of people who have been exposed. He said everyone in the jail wears a mask, and he’s been reducing the population there by early release of those in minimum security.
Haigh reported that the Emergency Operations Center at the John Zon Community Center is slowly rebuilding its personal protective equipment stock as it continues to provide first responders and health care workers with much-needed protective gear. He said the center is accepting homemade masks that will be cleaned and bagged by the people working there — city staff from different departments. Those will go to grocery stores, for instance, and to individuals who will be allowed one reusable, washable mask.
While Merrigan said it “could be a long haul,” he also said everyone will continue to work together to keep people safe in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.