Michigan Healthcare

Facing opioid abuse in Escanaba, police try rehab approach

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published June 14, 2016 at 4:11 PM EDT

Under the ANGEL Program, Escanaba law enforcement invites drug addicts to come to the police station voluntarily to receive help overcoming their addiction.

Our conversation with Jim O'Toole, Escanaba City Manager

Some cities have been looking at a program that takes a different approach to people with addictions who sometimes have run-ins with the law.

In Michigan, Escanaba is trying the new approach. It's called the ANGEL Program.

Escanaba City Manager Jim O'Toole joined us to talk about it.

According to The Escanaba Express, "Any person who enters the police department and requests help with their addiction to Schedule I, II, III, IV, controlled substances will be immediately screened into the ANGEL program."

Additionally, "If such a person who has requested help with their addiction is in possession of drugs or their drug equipment (needles, etc.), they will not be charged."

GUEST

Jim O'Toole is the Escanaba City Manager.