The Bridge January Newsletter

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Subject: The Bridge January Newsletter

Newsletter

January 2025

Piloting a Life-Saving Device in Bridge Housing

The Bridge is one of two organizations in the country and the first in New York State to pilot the innovative LifeguardLITE™ program by Lifeguard Digital Health, a Canadian-based company. LifeguardLITE™ is a life-saving device designed to prevent overdoses among people who use substances. The device is installed in 50+ buildings in Canada and has saved 177 lives so far.

The Bridge partnered with Lifeguard to pilot the device in two of our supportive housing locations- one in Harlem and one in the Bronx. In Harlem, devices were installed in all 60 units and in the community room. In the Bronx, devices were installed in all 48 units, the community room, and two lobby bathrooms that were identified as “high risk” locations.

The device is available for use 24/7 and includes a timer that clients can turn on when they intend to use substances or if they need assistance. When they are done using, they press the “I’m OK” button to turn off the device. If the timer is not stopped, an alarm will sound to rouse the client. If they do not respond to the alarm, staff are alerted to check on the client.

Devices are installed in every client’s room, regardless of whether they use substances. LifeguardLITE™ is also useful if there is a medical emergency, in domestic violence situations, or if a client is in distress. For example, there was a recent incident where a client experienced distress due to delusions. The client pressed the button on their device because they knew a staff member would be alerted to come to their assistance.

LifeguardLITE™ Device and Instructions

Since devices were installed in June 2024, there has been a steady increase in device usage every month. For example, residents at the Bronx location have engaged with the device 71 times and staff have been alerted to check on residents 11 times. Residents have also extended the timer 76 times, indicating that they are properly using the device for the intended purpose.

Bridge Staff and Client Peer Pose in Front of LifeguardLITE™

Many clients became more willing to use the device after attending information sessions run by Bridge staff and the team at Lifeguard. Several members of the installation team at Lifeguard have lived experience, which helped them develop rapport with clients and explain the many important uses of the device. Additionally, the Lifeguard team started a peer program at the Bronx residence to empower residents and build community. Peers help fellow residents learn how to use the system and assist them with using the device as needed. One client is chosen to be the designated peer each quarter and receives a salary from Lifeguard.

With funding from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The Bridge plans to install LifeguardLITE™ in five other buildings this year as part of our commitment to a harm reduction approach to client care. We recognize the complications regarding substance use relapse and recovery, and our goal is to help clients be safe in their decisions. LifeguardLITE™ is just one component of this approach.

Bridge Staff and Residents Spread Holiday Cheer

The Bridge’s residential programs celebrated the holidays with food and fun for clients and staff. Staff members worked hard to create special experiences for clients- they decorated community rooms, and many staff members made home-cooked meals. These celebrations could not have happened without The Bridge’s dedicated staff!

Bridge Client Celebrating Thanksgiving at Residence

Bridge Staff Serving Food to Clients

Upcoming Events

Save the Date for The Bridge's Annual Gala on Wednesday, April 30th at The Metropolitan Club.

More details to follow!

Support The Bridge

At The Bridge, we are committed to meeting people where they are by providing accessible and trauma-informed mental health services, as well as permanent supportive housing. Your support is needed to help The Bridge continue to provide these services to those in our community who need it most. With your donation, you can help vulnerable New Yorkers build their own paths to healing, growth, and independence.

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Visit thebridgeny.org to learn more about The Bridge

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Subject: The Bridge January Newsletter