Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program

The Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program (COAP) was developed as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) legislation. COAP’s purpose is to provide financial and technical assistance to states, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments to plan, develop, and implement comprehensive efforts to identify, respond to, treat, and support those impacted by the opioid epidemic. The Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) has been incorporated into the FY 2019 COAP solicitation. The purpose of the Harold Rogers PDMP is to improve collaboration and strategic decision making among regulatory and law enforcement agencies and public health entities to address prescription drug and opioid abuse, save lives, and reduce crime.

COAP aims to reduce opioid abuse and the number of overdose fatalities, as well as to mitigate the impacts on crime victims by supporting comprehensive, collaborative initiatives. The program also supports the implementation, enhancement, and proactive use of PDMPs to support clinical decision making and prevent the abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Grantees are prohibited from using federal funds to support activities that violate the Controlled Substances Act.

The objective of Category 1 is to encourage and support the development of comprehensive, locally driven responses to the opioid epidemic that expand access to supervision, treatment, and recovery support services across the criminal justice system; support law enforcement and other first responder diversion programs for non-violent drug offenders; promote education and prevention activities; and address the needs of children impacted by the opioid epidemic. All projects are expected to involve multiple agencies and partners.

The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO) will implement a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program in Whatcom County. Grant funds will be used to hire a Project Coordinator through the Whatcom County PAO and three Case Managers through a subcontract to Sea Mar Community Health Center. Funds will also be used to support transitional housing. Project partners include the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Whatcom County Health Department, the City of Bellingham Police Department, the City of Bellingham City Attorney’s Office and Sea Mar Community Health Center.

CA/NCF