By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage has announced a new program that aims to help people struggling with opioid addiction by offering crucial treatment services.

On Wednesday Sandage said the Safe Passage Program will be offered to anyone who has an opioid addiction. He said the program will provide a support line so addicts don’t have to feel afraid when they reach out to their local police departments to curb their addiction.

“It gives the opportunity for someone who’s struggling with addiction to come into any local police department, if they have drugs they can turn them in without fear of being charged, and we will get them help,” Sandage explained.

McLean County Coroner Kathy Davis said that as of July 28, she has investigated 14 deaths directly related to opioid use. Davis added for the entirety of 2017 she investigated 34 opioid related deaths.

Sandage said the sheriff’s office, Bloomington, Normal, and Illinois State Police Departments will be cooperating in the program. He noted that it’s not only the police who are interested in helping people beat their addictions.

“It was a joint effort, not only with all the local law enforcement, but both local hospitals and also Chestnut Health Systems,” said Sandage. “It’s a broad based approach to try to deal with the problem that we have.”

Sandage explained the Safe Passage Program was modeled after other jurisdictions created similar programs. He added the McLean County based program has one addition to it that other programs lack.

“If we get knowledge that someone has overdosed and recovered, a police officer and addiction counselor will go to that person’s residence within 24 hours, try to make contact with them, and let them know what services are available for them,” Sandage said.

The program went into effect immediately following Sandage’s announcement.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].