CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - A new Safe Passage initiative has been developed in Charleston to help those facing addiction.
Multiple communities in central Illinois have implemented Safe Passage programs. This approach allows Illinois police and sheriff’s departments across the state to address substance use disorder and/or mental health issues.
Deputy Chief Joel Shute says they just want to help where they can.
"If we can do anything, even open up a door two blocks closer to that person than where the drug treatment center is then I think we're making a positive change to preempt those issues before they happen in the first place," said Shute.
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Charleston PD teamed up with Hour House, run by the Central East Alcoholism & Drug Council, and the Coles County Recovery Orientated Systems of Care to establish a continuum of care.
Anyone who needs help with with their substance use disorder can come to the police station, turn in drugs and paraphernalia with no consequences, and get connected to treatment resources. There are even volunteer drivers to offer transportation.
Hour House Program Director Janna Overstreet says the initiative helps people realize that this is just another way to utilize police and fight addiction.
"They decided that maybe that it would help if they were seen as a safe place to come and say 'hey I've got a substance abuse problem,'" said Overstreet.
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