State Attorney General Josh Shapiro was in Clearfield County Today joining law enforcement and drug counselors to introduce a new drug rehabilitation program.
In the past year most of the health care stories have been pandemic related, daily updates about covid. But another crisis continues,substance abuse and addiction
addiction stories, usually painful, but for those able to recover, there’s a beginning
“My journey began on November first,2012 which just so happened to be the very same day may husband was arrested on federal drug charges”
Leah Bregman talking about now being more than 8 year sober probably never imagining she’d be telling her story with the state attorney general and law enforcement nearby.
They brought the law enforcement treatment initiatives, the Leti Program, to Clearfield County. It provides a path for trained police personnel to directly offer addicts resources for treatment.
A chance to be rehabilitated,instead of automatically being charged
“By getting law enforcement. trusted local law enforcement involved in the initial steps by referring someone into treatment were also reducing the stigma of getting the help that you need”
In rural areas outreach and treatment can be challenging
“Folks don’t always have the transportation,so this has helped to bridge that gap.but also we have dead zones in the county in terms of internet and cell service”
As for Leah, a success story. she’s now a certified recovery specialist
“I have committed myself to help those that need it as it was me seeking those services. I feel that not one single person is a lost cause”
The Leti Program actually began in another county in our region, Somerset County, about four years ago since then, close to a dozen other counties have signed on.
