In Chesterfield County, public safety agencies are expanding their focus beyond emergency response to include prevention and recovery services for residents affected by substance use and mental health challenges. The county has developed several programs aimed at reducing the impact of the opioid crisis and supporting those in need.
Since 2017, Chesterfield Fire and EMS has worked with the Community Services Board (CSB) to embed a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) within its Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) team. A PRS uses personal experience with mental health or substance use issues to help others begin their own recovery process. This partnership ensures that individuals who receive Narcan during an opioid overdose get follow-up care focused on long-term recovery.
The MIH program is now a permanent part of Chesterfield’s public health strategy. It targets high-risk individuals who frequently call 911 for non-emergency situations, connecting them with hospitals, nonprofits, and other providers for tailored support. This approach helps reduce repeat emergency calls and hospital visits while freeing up resources for critical incidents.
One initiative under MIH is the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, which started in January 2023. Using Suboxone to address withdrawal symptoms and opioid dependence, clinicians offer immediate support after an overdose and help patients move toward sustained treatment through CSB partnerships and telehealth options.
The Chesterfield County Police Department also takes a broad view of public safety, involving more than 500 officers, 100 staff members, and volunteers in both enforcement and community outreach efforts. With studies showing that over half of pain medication misuse comes from family or friends’ supplies, the department promotes safe disposal practices through drop-off kiosks, take-back events, and free medication disposal pouches to prevent misuse and environmental harm.
Mental health response was strengthened in July 2023 with the launch of the Co-Response (CORE) Team—a collaboration between police officers and behavioral health clinicians designed to respond to mental health crises. Clinicians join only after active crime scenes are secured to provide expertise without compromising safety. CORE offers follow-up services that aim to break cycles of repeated emergency calls by helping people access ongoing care.
To further address non-emergency needs in the community, Chesterfield created the Strategic Planning Individuals in Need or Transition (SPRINT) Team. SPRINT handles cases where individuals require wellness checks or resource referrals but are not experiencing immediate crises; it managed over 100 cases in its first year.
Within the county jail system, the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program—launched by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office—separates inmates seeking recovery from others as part of a holistic treatment model that addresses addiction’s root causes such as trauma or mental illness. HARP is recognized internationally for its peer-led approach combining medical assistance with community involvement.
“HARP doesn’t just help inmates—it transforms them into leaders and healers. It doesn’t just offer treatment—it builds a community rooted in accountability, empathy, and long-term recovery,” according to officials involved with the program.
County leaders say these integrated programs mark a shift from traditional emergency response toward coordinated prevention efforts built on compassion and engagement across agencies.
“Through integrated programs like MIH, CORE, SPRINT, and HARP, the county is redefining public safety. It’s no longer just about responding to emergencies—it’s about preventing them through compassion, coordination, and community engagement,” said local authorities.
Despite ongoing challenges from substances like fentanyl affecting communities nationwide [https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html], Chesterfield continues investing in multiple paths to support recovery while maintaining public safety.
