A new program through the Appleton Police Department is giving a helping hand to those battling opioid addiction.
The L.E.A.A.P. program will help addicts get treatment without the worry of legal trouble. L.E.A.A.P. stands for Law Enforcement Addiction Assistance Program.
The program comes on the heels of nearly 30 opioid-related deaths per year in the Fox Cities. It offers resources like counseling, access to heath care providers to get treatment, and a navigator, helping addicts looking to get sober receive the assistance they need.
Sean Kiether, a Community Liason Officer at the Department says, "The numbers of opioid overdoses are shooting through the roof here in Outagamie County. We average about 30 deaths a year related to opiates, so that's a huge number... when you think that this is a relatively safe community..."
Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas reported 42 lives were saved by Narcan in 2016.
For those looking for help, visit the Department's website.
