On Thursday, August 2, 2012, Patrick B. McEneaney, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Phoenix Houses of New England, addressed the Boston City Council at a hearing of the Committee on Women and Healthy Communities, chaired by Boston City Councilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley.  The hearing, sponsored by Councilor Frank Baker, was held to discuss the possibility of providing the residents of Metropolitan Boston with a 24-hour Substance Abuse Helpline and to study current substance abuse resources available in an effort to improve outreach and support.

Drawing on the unprecedented success of Rapid Response Rhode Island, a groundbreaking collaboration of Rhode Island’s substance abuse treatment and behavioral health care agencies announced in December 2008 by Phoenix House, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island and partner agencies statewide, Mr. McEneaney testified about ways in which a similar effort could be undertaken in Metropolitan Boston.  The first statewide service of its kind in the country, Rapid Response Rhode Island ensured that individuals calling United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island would be screened and assessed within 12 to 24 hours of a request for service.