KSP to host panel discussion on Angel Initiative, addressing opioid crisis

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Kentucky State Police are looking at new ways to address the opioid epidemic gripping the state and its residents by offering those struggling with substance addiction a way to seek help without fear of criminal charges.

The Angel Initiative, launched in 2017, is a state police program designed to help those in crisis from drug addiction receive treatment. Residents who suffer with an addiction may voluntarily come into a state police post seeking help, and if they do not have any criminal charges pending, they will be paired with a volunteer “angel” who will help guide them through the process of getting treatment. If they have drugs or drug paraphernalia with them, the police will dispose of it for them without fear of being arrested or charged with a crime.

KSP will host a panel discussion Tuesday, Jan. 16 to talk about the Angel Initiative and its potential effect on drug addiction in the local community. Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Secretary John Tilley, KSP Commissioner Richard Sanders, Post 1 Commander Charles White, Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Executive Director Van Ingram, UNITE Deputy Director Tom Vicini and Baptist Health professionals will host the forum beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Barnes Auditorium at the Carson-Myer Heart Center at Baptist Health in Paducah.

The public is invited to attend.