CHESTER, PA — In an era where opioid struggles have left a profound impact on communities nationwide, Delaware County is pioneering an innovative, compassionate approach. Delaware County officials and Pennsylvania’s top lawyer unveiled recent developments and future plans for the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI).
LETI, a forward-thinking program that shifts people with substance use disorders from the penal system to treatment centers, was introduced in 2021 by then Attorney General Josh Shapiro. This program has since been implemented across 28 counties across the Keystone State.
In a profoundly humanistic approach, LETI constitutes police departments, treatment providers and criminal justice officials who work together to connect individuals to treatment options without fear of arrest or prosecution. This collaborative effort is bolstered by the keen eyes of the District Attorney’s office led by Deputy Salena Jones, evaluating cases at the time of initial arrest and directing suitable cases to MVP, the County’s designated provider for LETI participants.
Delaware County recently received the first installment of opioid settlement funding, an impressive $63 million to be allocated over the next eighteen years. The first grant, awarded in December 2023, went to MVP Recovery, amounting to $861,640.
MVP Recovery is leading the charge, channeling the funds into two essential projects: MVP Recovery OTR Program (Opioid Treatment & Recovery Program), and the MVP Recovery EMPOWERED (Empowering Mothers for Positive Outcomes with Education, Recovery, and Early Development Program).
Among their key initiatives, the OTR Program will expand Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT), specifically focusing on methadone maintenance services. The EMPOWERED Program, on the other hand, will have targeted case management for pregnant women and women diagnosed with substance use disorders who have children. These programs embody Delaware County’s comprehensive approach in addressing the opioid crisis and its extensive ripple effects.
“This program is proof that when we unite under a common cause, we can effect meaningful changes and significantly improve outcomes for those battling addiction,” said Attorney General Michelle Henry.
A testament to the spirit of public service, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer highlighted LETI’s effectiveness as a diversion tool. “It is more than just a treatment initiative. It is a lifeline for non-violent individuals ensnared in the claws of drug dependency,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor emphasized the transformative potential of LETI. “We’re not just fighting a crisis; we’re changing lives. We’re giving people a chance to take a path towards recovery and a brighter future,” she added.
With the support of local officials and the utilization of statewide opioid settlement funds, Delaware County is leading the way in adopting a multidimensional, compassionate approach to tackling the opioid crisis. This could be a glimmer of hope for countless families in the grip of addiction’s dark shadow.
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