NC Invests $1.5M in Harm Reduction Program

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome in. This is Durham News Today, where local news meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. Governor Josh Stein announced a $1.5 million state investment this week to expand the law enforcement assisted diversion program across North Carolina. The funding supports the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and partnering law enforcement with health care providers to help people with. Behavioral health needs avoid jail and get supportive services instead. This builds on the program's growth, bringing it to seven agencies in six communities, including Fayetteville, Albemarle, Gaston County, Greensboro. New Hanover County, Robson County, and Harnett County. It's a step up from earlier efforts focused mainly in urban spots. In Fayetteville, where the program started in 2016 as the South's first, it made a real difference last year by serving more than one. 140 people. That included over 165 rides to services plus aid in finding housing and treatment.

1:02Local officers noted freeze them up from handling mental health and addiction calls like social workers so they can tackle serious crimes. The push into rural areas like Robson County stands out, linking sheriffs and police with local health resources to address addiction head on. Leaders say this team work gives everyone better tools for these challenges. Overall, the expansion promises stronger communities by blending police work with care services, paving the way for a healthier North Carolina.