The Michigan State Police (MSP) Angel Program, a pre-arrest diversion program for those struggling with drug addiction, is now active and operational at all 30 MSP posts statewide.

Those seeking treatment can go to any MSP post during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Angel Program, allows someone with a drug addiction to walk into a state police post to seek help for their addiction, without the fear of arrest or investigation. If accepted into the program, the individual is guided through a professional substance abuse assessment and intake process to ensure proper treatment placement.

An “Angel” volunteer, who is a member of the local community, is present to support the individual during the process and to provide transportation to the identified treatment facility. “The opioid epidemic is real and we all need to do our part to stop it,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP.

“More people in Michigan die from drug overdoses than car crashes, and the Angel Program is one way the Michigan State Police is helping to reduce drug demand and serve those struggling with this deadly addiction.”

The program was first launched in October, 2016 at the MSP Gaylord Post and has since expanded across the state. To date, 37 people have been admitted to treatment through the program.

The Angel Program, modeled after a similar initiative developed in 2015 by the Gloucester, Massachusetts Police Department, is a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans, private donations and a grant from P.A.A.R.I. (the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative. For more information, or to become an Angel volunteer or to make a donation to support the initiative, visit www.michigan.gov/AngelProgram.