MEDIA CONTACT

Sarah Gonet

Vice President of Development, BAMSI

508-944-6096/sarahgonet@bamsi.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BAMSI Partners with Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid to Explore Harm Reduction Initiatives

Brockton, MA [March 13, 2024] – BAMSI, a nonprofit human service organization, in collaboration with Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, an educational public television show, is proud to announce a new documentary exploring substance abuse disorders and mental health crises. This educational episode, slated to premiere in April 2024, delves into the harm reduction initiatives of BAMSI’s Community Outreach, Prevention, and Education (COPE) Centers in both urban and suburban communities of Massachusetts.

Hosted by acclaimed actor, Dennis Quaid, Viewpoint has engaged its audience by cultivating each segment with an approach of inspiring viewers to take action. BAMSI’s COPE Centers – with locations in Plymouth and Brockton – are committed to providing life-saving services for populations who are at an increased risk of premature death, aim to create a compassionate community, and reduce the stigma and shame associated with substance abuse.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity,” said Michael Kelly, Program Manager at Plymouth COPE. “Harm reduction is the first step toward changing someone’s life for the better because you are keeping them alive to make that decision for themselves.”

The Viewpoint feature will offer viewers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use and other high-risk behaviors. As a harm-reduction program, BAMSI’s COPE Centers are committed to providing overdose education, as well as distributing Narcan to counteract an overdose.

“There is no recovery from a fatal overdose. Plymouth is a beautiful town, but people here are dying,” said Mary Corlin, Director of Harm Reduction Services at BAMSI noting that Brockton’s COPE Center has been serving the community for nearly 20 years, while its Plymouth location opened in 2023.

The Viewpoint episode featuring BAMSI will be distributed to 170+ stations throughout the U.S. in April of 2024. In addition, a TV commercial highlighting BAMSI’s expertise on the impact of harm reduction initiatives begun airing on major cable channels: CNN, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, Fox Business Network, TLC, Travel, and Discovery on March 4, 2024.

BAMSI will be hosting a Viewpoint Premiere Night on March 28, 2024 at Massasoit Community College’s Buckley Performing Arts Center (1 Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton) at 5:30pm. COPE Center staff and other community organizations will be on hand to share lifesaving harm reduction supplies and other resources. Seating is limited, reserve your spot today at: www.bamsi.info/ViewpointPremiere.

About Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid:

Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid is a highly acclaimed short-form series that offers insightful discussions on a wide range of topics. Hosted by renowned actor Dennis Quaid, the program provides unique perspectives through engaging content and expert guests. Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid aims to educate, inspire, and engage viewers by exploring important subjects and showcasing industry advancements.

About BAMSI:

BAMSI is a private 501c3 nonprofit human service organization that helps people live more independent and healthful lives by providing a comprehensive network of services addressing developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, and substance use, and the social determinants of health such as housing and nutrition. This past year, over 50,000 individuals and families across five Massachusetts counties received personalized care from one of BAMSI’s nearly 1,600 dedicated and compassionate employees.

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