Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, the Lutheran Foundation and the city police department highlighted the efforts of two social workers in the ongoing battle with substance abuse disorders.
These social workers were brought on in August with “the expertise and skill sets to assist with local problematic substance abuse cases,” which might be “long-term and complex and provide help for individuals and families with treatment options.”
The positions are funded through a $245,000 federal grant, to be disbursed annually over the next three years.
Darcy Robbins is the lead social worker. She says even though they’ve only been on the job for a few months, a lot of work is already being done.
“Since August that we’ve been here, we’ve been able to help 167 individuals and partner with 29 social service agencies, and we’re still counting.”
With two months left in the year, the police department reports there have been 975 non-fatal overdoses through September, with 95 fatal overdoses through October 13.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the coalition will partner local service providers to offer resources to the city's unhoused community through the winter. These will recur monthly and take place at the Allen County Public Library.
