BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Public Inebriate Program (PIP) will now be available in Burlington, Howard Center announced today. PIPs provide a safe, supervised place for people who are intoxicated or under the influence of other substances to become sober.
A PIP is an important, voluntary alternative to the emergency room or incarceration when medical care is not needed. The program has trained staff available to monitor and support individuals for short periods of time. It is not a treatment program, but staff can connect clients with services. Importantly, it provides a valuable recovery resource while freeing up law enforcement and medical resources for lifesaving work.
“At the core of our work at Howard Center is providing compassionate care and support to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. The Public Inebriate Program is a key part of this, and will ultimately reduce emergency room visits and enhance community safety by addressing substance use challenges with empathy and effectiveness” said Beth Holden, Chief Client Services Officer.
The program, operated in collaboration with state partners, is part of Howard Center’s Adult Crisis Stabilization program on Pine Street, also known as Integrated Crisis Beds.
Individuals access the program by referral, through a screening conducted by trained staff with the responding law enforcement officer, ensuring the program serves those it’s designed for. Stays are short-term and voluntary.
The program is part of a broader statewide effort to respond to substance-related crises with care, connection, and appropriate support rather than incarceration, while reducing unnecessary use of emergency departments and jails.
ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning more than 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with hundreds of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. We are a United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.