North Carolina Expands LEAD Program to Aid Mental Health and Substance Abuse
North Carolina expands the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program to battle substance abuse and assist mental health.
Gov. Josh Stein unveiled a $1.5 million state investment Tuesday. The money will grow the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program across six communities in North Carolina.
Seven law enforcement agencies will receive the funds. This includes Fayetteville, Albemarle, Gaston County, Greensboro, New Hanover County, Robeson County, and Harnett County.
The program steers people with behavioral health needs away from jail. Instead, they get help. This expansion will strengthen ties between healthcare providers and law enforcement.
“We can’t arrest our way out of addiction. We need treatment and recovery services so that people can get well, follow the law, and contribute to their communities,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release.
Fayetteville started its LEAD program in 2016. Last year, the Fayetteville Police Department served more than 140 people. They gave over 165 rides to help residents reach services, and they helped many find housing and treatment.
Lt. Jamaal Littlejohn coordinates LEAD for the Fayetteville Police Department. "Our training is somewhat limited when it comes to dealing with people with mental health and substance abuse issues," Littlejohn said to ABC11. "Being able to tap into those other resources is definitely monumental, and it helps a whole lot."
The new funding will push the program into rural areas. "Making sure that a rural community like Robeson gets some of this support so their local sheriff and the Lumberton Police Department can then connect with health care providers and service providers in their community to treat people with addiction. It will make everyone's lives better," Stein said.
