STATEMENT: 
Drug overdoses constitute Pennsylvania’s most complex public safety challenge, causing a record number of deaths and directly and tangentially related involvement with criminal justice systems, at a high expense to communities.  On the demand side of the epidemic, those suffering with a substance use disorder (SUD) need alternative responses that enhance treatment options and promote available support. A collaborative effort developed the Clinton County Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) to address the demand side of the drug epidemic to reduce incarceration, improve public safety, and prevent overdose deaths.

At least 39 in 2019, 35 in 2020, approximately 7 for 2021 resulting from accidental drug overdose in Clinton County.  There continues to be overdose deaths despite law enforcement officers (LEO) carrying and administering naloxone and the availability to the public of prescription drug take-back boxes (drug take-back locations are available at ddap.pa.gov). It is now necessary that law enforcement take a nontraditional approach to fighting the epidemic assisting with treatment referrals for those who have a substance use disorder. This is a law enforcement led policy by the district attorney’s office.

GOALS: 

1. Reduce deaths, overdoses, and criminal sanctions associated with substance use disorders, by getting individuals who need treatment, or other wrap-around services connected to appropriate providers.
2. Reduce stigma associated with substance use disorder.
3. Strengthen police-community relationships by encouraging individuals with a substance use disorder to seek help from law enforcement; and encourage law enforcement to address substance use disorder as a public health issue where individuals are better served being diverted to services and care.
4. Train law enforcement officers in how better to help individuals who have a substance use disorder.
5. Connect individuals with organizations that will provide a full continuum of care, addressing all treatment and non-treatment related needs, to aid in the development of a strong recovery environment that are ready, willing, and able to provide help.