A program meant to help people struggling with drug addiction has expanded statewide, the Michigan State Police said.
The Michigan State Police Angel Program, a pre-arrest diversion program for people struggling with drug addiction, is now being offered at all 30 state police posts in Michigan.
Anyone seeking drug treatment can go to any MSP post during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, without fear of arrest, the Michigan State Police said.
See list of MSP Posts
The MSP Angel Program is modeled after a similar initiative developed in 2015 by the Gloucester, Massachusetts, Police Department, and allows someone with a drug addiction to walk into a state police post to seek help for their addiction without the fear of arrest or investigation, the Michigan State Police said.
If accepted into the program, the person is guided through a professional substance abuse assessment and intake process to ensure proper treatment placement.
"Angel" volunteers, members of the local community, support the individual during the process and provide transportation to a treatment facility.
"The opioid epidemic is real and we all need to do our part to stop it," Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, said in a news release. "More people in Michigan die from drug overdoses than car crashes, and the Angel Program is one way the Michigan State Police is helping to reduce drug demand and serve those struggling with this deadly addiction."
The Angel Program first launched in October 2016 at the Gaylord Post. Since then it has expanded across the state, most recently becoming operational in metro Detroit.
As of this month, 37 people have been admitted to treatment through the program, MSP said.
"The addiction epidemic is impacting every community in our state and having the Angel Program available across Michigan will help families struggling with addiction have more second chances and fewer funerals," Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said in the news release.
The Angel Program is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans, private donations and a grant from P.A.A.R.I. (the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative). P.A.A.R.I. is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support the Gloucester Police addiction initiatives, aid other police departments to implement similar programs, and foster a dialogue around the unique opportunity for police departments to take direct action against the disease of drug addiction in their communities.
Anyone interested in learning more about the MSP Angel Program can visit www.michigan.gov/AngelProgram.
