Yesterday, the Alliance Police Department signed an agreement partnering with the Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority to identify resources for those struggling with behavioral health and substance abuse issues. This agreement enables the Alliance and Box Butte County community to collaborate with the SAMHSA’s GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation, operated by Policy Research Associates Inc. The purpose of the program is to reduce barriers between behavioral health and criminal justice systems. Goals include community-wide strategic plans for addressing substance abuse, and better identifying and responding to the needs of adults with substance abuse disorders who are involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. Desired outcomes include screening and assessment, diverting individuals out of the criminal justice system and into appropriate community-based treatment programs, access to medications for Opioid Use Disorder, and maintaining continuity of care through transitions in and out of custody.
As the state of Nebraska prepares to release grant money specifically earmarked for mental health and substance abuse, this partnership will allow our community to prioritize needs and identify a path forward that provides for those needs surrounding substance abuse. This project will involve collaboration between criminal justice and health agencies, 911 dispatch centers, crisis services, law enforcement and other first responders, hospitals, jails, courts and other treatment and problem-solving organizations.
We all know someone who has been touched by addiction. Tragically, over 130 people die from overdoses in this country every day. The Opioid epidemic is destroying lives, hurting families and plaguing cities like Alliance all over the country. For those who need and want help, the Alliance Police Department is committed to this partnership to provide treatment opportunities that have long been scarce in our area. Although criminals who victimize our community will still go to jail, once there they will have an opportunity to seek and receive help once their charges have been adjudicated. In the case of first-time offenders and minor infractions, those willing to seek help can be diverted to restorative, substance abuse based programs. This is only a first step, but an important step that can help to save lives and strengthen our community.