APPLETON (NBC 26) -- The Appleton Police Department says it's seeing a major increase of drug overdose deaths in the community.
"Since early April, we have investigated nine overdose related deaths," the department stated in a news release Wednesday. "This does not take into account the number of lives we have saved by responding to overdoses and administering Narcan."
The department is emphasizing people struggling addiction can seek help through L.E.A.A.P., Law Enforcement Addiction Assistance Program.
"...the Appleton Police Department will address the needs of any person who comes into the station requesting help with their opiate addiction," a statement from the department says.
"By encouraging addicted individuals to seek help from law enforcement, without fear of being arrested and prosecuted, the Appleton Police Department hopes to improve the quality of life for program participants and their families while also preventing future crimes and overdose deaths associated with drug addiction - This is who we are and what we do."
More information on Appleton Police's drug addiction program can be found here.
