Cumberland and Perry join state drug treatment initiative

Cumberland and Perry counties have joined the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), becoming the 31st and 32nd counties to participate in this collaborative program. The initiative, spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General along with law enforcement agencies, aims to divert individuals in need of treatment services.

The LETI program allows residents of Cumberland and Perry counties who are seeking help for substance use disorders to reach out to probation and parole services, the sheriff's department, county officials, and community stakeholders. These entities will then connect them with the Cumberland-Perry County Drug and Alcohol Program, Single County Authority (SCA).

Attorney General Dave Sunday stated, "I commend Cumberland and Perry counties for addressing this crisis and recognizing the importance of diverting individuals from criminal charges and prison when treatment services are in their best interests, as well as the community's." He added that by connecting people with necessary care, LETI saves lives, strengthens neighborhoods, and helps reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

District Attorneys Sean McCormack from Cumberland County and Clay Merris from Perry County were acknowledged for their contributions. Other speakers included Christopher Raubenstine from Silver Spring Township Police Department, Brenda Iliff-Lawver from the Cumberland-Perry Drug & Alcohol Commission, Steve Barndt from Just For Today organization, and Megan Zabinski.