COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work. There isn’t an industry this virus hasn’t affected in some way. The addiction medicine industry is certainly no exception. Patients that find themselves at the intersection of criminal justice and healthcare who are battling substance use disorders know how critical daily check-ins, random drug testing, and accountability are to successfully overcoming addiction and avoiding new use. The unfortunate consequences of COVID-19 involve more than the physical ramifications of the virus; they extend to financial insecurity, stress due to job loss, and reduced interaction with friends and family which can lead to an increase in loneliness and anxiety. [Learn More]
Customer Testimonial
"I wanted to thank Averhealth for the services they are providing through this difficult time. Continuing to test clients has been very beneficial during this trying period. Several of the participants have expressed their gratitude and acknowledged how drug testing has assisted in helping maintain their sobriety during this time period. I am grateful to have Averhealth as a partner in combating substance abuse." – Massachusetts Probation
Averhealth — Proud Corporate Member of APPA
We are excited to see you at the APPA virtual conference in August!
Industry News
How Bangor Drug Court participants are getting help staying sober during the pandemic
Those are the number of days some of the 31 participants in the Penobscot County Adult Treatment Drug Court in Bangor, Maine have been sober. In ordinary times, they would meet every other week in a courtroom at the Penobscot Judicial Center. Each accomplishment would be met with applause and often hugs. But these aren’t ordinary times. Since March 25, District Court Judge Charles Budd has convened drug court weekly in his chambers at the Penobscot Judicial Center using Zoom, an online application he’d never heard of before the pandemic that allows users to chat and see each other live. [Learn more]
The Significance of Vermont’s Justice Reinvestment Legislation
Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently signed a bipartisan criminal justice bill designed to reduce recidivism and dissect racial disparities in the state’s prisons. The policy changes are the result of Vermont’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI), which the state embarked on in 2019 with intensive technical support from experts at The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center. [Learn more]
Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week
Averhealth celebrates all those who work in the pretrial, probation, and parole services. Thank you for partnering with us to provide smarter solutions and better outcomes for your drug testing program. Happy PPPS Week!
For more information about how Averhealth is safely administering drug test during the current COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.
Need a resource?
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) open 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) open 24/7
