Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Official Website

BCARES - Help for Overdose Survivors



Bucks County Connect. Assess. Refer. Engage. Support (BCARES) is a warm handoff collaboration with the six Bucks County hospitals and Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS). BCARES serves any individual who has either survived an overdose or who has any substance use disorder, as long as they are in one of these hospitals. We utilize CRSs who are in long-term recovery and have taken training to become certified. The CRS will draw from their lived experience to help others with substance use disorders. Through BCARES, individuals are offered recovery supports, education, resources and a direct connection from the emergency department or other hospital unit to treatment. Families are also provided with support, education and resources.

BCARES will also serve any individual with any substance use disorder who is being treated in one of the six Bucks County hospitals. The CRS will provide recovery support, education, resources and treatment options. Families and significant others are also provided with support and resources.

BCARES enhancements include BCARES Family Connect and Healthcare Professionals Opposing Stigma


Who does BCARES serve?
  • Individuals who have survived an overdose on any substance
  • Individuals with any substance use disorder who are in a Bucks County hospital
  • Families and significant others
  • Hospital staff 

How does BCARES work?
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BCARES is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those who have survived an overdose and are in one of the six Bucks County hospitals. The CRS will meet face-to-face with the individual and will connect him or her directly to resources, recovery supports and treatment options. If the individual accepts direct treatment from the hospital, the CRS will locate a treatment provider and arrange for transportation. The CRS will continue to follow up with the individual for 30 days following the overdose.

BCARES will serve any individual in a Bucks County hospital, regardless of their county of residence or insurance status. Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. will fund the first 3 days of treatment for any overdose survivor, regardless of their insurance status. Once the individual is in the treatment facility, the facility will explore funding for ongoing treatment.

For individuals who are not overdose survivors, but who do use substances, services are available 12 hours per day in the hospital. The CRS will meet face-to-face with the individual, will provide recovery support, education and resources and will discuss various treatment options.

Families are also provided with support, education and resources.


ContactSheri Rubin, RN, BCDAC, Inc. Health Care Coordinator  |  215-444-2729  |  slrubin@buckscounty.org