Drug Treatment Program in Somerset Links Residents to Addiction Specialists

SOMERSET, Pa. - May 17, 2018 - PRLog -- State officials announced the implementation of a new drug abuse program in Somerset, Pennsylvania that connects local residents who have substance use disorders with addiction specialists that can best assist them on May 8.

The initiative allows anyone looking for addiction-related assistance to walk into the Somerset Borough Police Station and get help.

Those who seek get to speak with an officer who will reach out to a professional to connect the people with the addiction treatment services they need. The certified addiction professional will conduct an intake interview to coordinate the next steps.

The people who seek help won't be arrested nor face criminal charges.

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced the program in an event on May 8.

He stated he believes it is a moral obligation of those in public service to help any person who is suffering from an addiction.

At the moment, the Somerset Borough Police Department is the one police department participating in the program.

Police Chief of Somerset Borough Randy Cox expressed support for Shapiro's stance and said he thinks this is a part of the responsibilities law enforcement officials have.

Cox explained that even though the police department will continue to target individuals involved in drug trafficking and/or sales, they are hoping that stepping away from prosecuting minor drug crimes will save them money and time.

Just days after the drug abuse program was launched, the officers said they already had their first request for assistance. The person who sought help got taken to a drug detox center within an hour, they said.

https://www.drugaddictionnow.com/2018/05/17/somerset-drug...