EASTON, PA – Northampton County has become the 30th county in Pennsylvania to join the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), a program spearheaded by the Office of Attorney General and local law enforcement to divert individuals in need of substance use treatment from the criminal justice system to necessary treatment services.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Michelle Henry, who highlighted the expansion of the program as part of ongoing efforts to combat substance use disorders across the state. PA LETI offers a pathway for those struggling with substance use disorder to seek help through local probation and parole services, sheriff’s departments, and other county officials, who then connect them to the Northampton County Drug and Alcohol Program, Single County Authority (SCA).
“I applaud Northampton County’s attention to this crisis and the need to divert individuals from criminal charges and prison when treatment services are in the best interests of the person and community,” said Attorney General Henry. “By connecting individuals to the treatment they need, LETI saves lives, makes our communities stronger, and helps to minimize the stigma associated with substance use disorder. I commend the work that District Attorney Baratta and our law enforcement partners across Northampton County are doing to help build stronger, healthier communities.”
Key Benefits of LETI in Northampton County:
- Accessible entry points for those seeking treatment, including police stations, probation offices, and the sheriff’s department.
- Identification and assistance for individuals seeking treatment services.
- Transportation support to treatment facilities.
- Collaboration with local drug and alcohol administrations to monitor treatment availability and outcomes.
The LETI program in Northampton County will build on existing efforts to address substance abuse locally. By allowing individuals to seek treatment directly through law enforcement and community services, the program aims to disrupt the cycle of addiction and incarceration.
“Drug overdoses are the number one accidental killer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” noted Northampton District Attorney Stephen Baratta. “In response to this crisis, the Office of Attorney General designed and introduced the LETI program. LETI is a vehicle through which law enforcement can connect individuals suffering from substance use disorder with treatment options. The Northampton County District Attorney and County Executive are excited to bring LETI to Northampton County as we expect that LETI will become a valuable tool to help stabilize and protect our community.”
Since its inception in 2020, LETI has received over 1,370 referrals statewide, reflecting a significant demand for its services. Kathleen Jiorle of the Northampton Drug and Alcohol Program emphasized the life-saving potential of LETI: “The LETI initiative is striving to connect individuals suffering from substance use disorder with the treatment they need. This is imperative to save lives in Northampton County and reduce the impact of addiction not just on the individuals suffering from the disease, but also their families, friends, and communities.”
Agent Lauren Diller, the Office of Attorney General’s dedicated coordinator for PA LETI, oversees training, policy development, and case management for the program across participating counties.
LETI is currently active in 29 other counties, including Armstrong, Berks, Bradford, Butler, and more. District Attorneys interested in launching a LETI program in their counties can contact the Office of Attorney General at 570-826-2483.
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