SHU Brings Experts Together to Discuss Opioid Crisis
Social workers and law enforcement officers share goal of creating healthier communities
Sacred Heart University recently gathered experts in law enforcement and social work to discuss the country’s opioid crisis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says continues to worsen.
The Social Work & Law Enforcement (SWLE) Project, a network that aims to integrate the two professions, worked in partnership with the Fairfield Police Department to organize “Bridging Communities in Response to the Opioid Crisis.” SHU’s School of Social Work hosted the event, leading the collaborative efforts with the community partners.
“We facilitate this event with intention and do so to highlight the significance of our mission to support and advance our relationship with agencies and initiatives that aim to create positive change that is often diminished and obstructed by historical and systemic barriers,” said Katherine Sallaku, clinical assistant social work professor and director of field education at SHU.
The event comprised an address by keynote speaker Robert F. Lawlor, Jr., and two discussion panels featuring law enforcement professionals, social workers and educators.
Lawlor, an expert in law enforcement and drug intelligence, shared his experience in senior-level investigations and recent leadership on an initiative to address the overdose epidemic. “It’s time for everyone to come together to address this issue and create healthier and safer communities for all,” he said.
Lawlor said he believes in creative and holistic problem-solving and working collaboratively on strategies that make a difference. “The causes of this crisis are as complex as the solutions, and the solutions need to be multifaceted. One thing is clear—we can’t ignore this problem any longer. We must come together and include all stakeholders to address this crisis head-on and find evidence-based solutions,” he said.
The first panel, “Preparing the Workforce & Bridging Communities,” included SWLE Project members discussing the emerging field of police social work and the need to prepare professionals to assume those roles. Panel members included educators and social workers Isabel Logan and Robert G. Madden, Matthew Solak, a Willimantic police lieutenant, Emily Constantino, a Willimantic police social worker and Ally Margelony, an undergraduate social work intern at Eastern Connecticut State University. Samantha Inniss, a West Hartford police social worker, moderated the panel.
The discussion highlighted the SWLE Project’s efforts to train law enforcement, social work professionals and students to work collaboratively to address the opioid crisis through education, training and research. “We work to help people who have an addiction with support from the community and through partnerships with the police department,” said Logan.
“It is so empowering for us as police officers to see this kind of change being made in Connecticut,” said Solak. “I’m a community servant; I protect and serve my community. At the end of the day, this is about positively impacting my community.”
The second panel, “Moving Communities Forward,” featured Garon DelMonte, a Milford police captain, Nicolas Rankin, a Norwich police lieutenant, Tina James, a Milford police social worker, Constantino and Lawlor. Victoria Osborne, assistant professor of social work at SHU, moderated the panel.
“As law enforcement professionals, we know we cannot do our jobs without the absolute trust and support of our communities,” said Lawlor.
Photo caption: Panelists included, from left, Isabel Logan, Ed.D, LCSW, Emily Constantino, MSW, Ally Margelony, Willimantic PD Lieutenant Matthew Solak and Robert G. Madden, JD.