State Police Serve As 'Angels' For Those In Throes Of Drug Addiction

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State Police say a program to help people struggling with drug addiction is now available at all 30 of its posts.

The Angel Program allows people to walk into a post during regular business hours and seek help without fear of arrest or investigation.

If that individual is accepted into the Angel Program, a professional assesses and places them in a drug treatment program. A community volunteer known as an "angel" provides support and transportation during the process.

State Police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue says the program is one solution to a drug epidemic that is killing more Michigan residents than car crashes.

The agency says 37 people have been helped across Michigan since the Angel Program launched in October of last year at the Gaylord Post.