The LETI program will soon offer help to those suffering from a mental health crisis.
LAPORTE, Pa. — Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative or ‘LETI’ signs can be found all over the courtroom inside the Sullivan County Courthouse in Laporte.
The county is now incorporating behavioral health services as part of the program. LETI is an initiative that gives law enforcement tools to help those struggling get the substance use or behavioral and mental health treatment they need.
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“The whole purpose behind it is to help people so that they can work through the issues they have before they commit a crime, and it’s also for people, let’s say they recently commit a crime, these are lower level crimes, that they get the treatment they need so that they don’t come back to prison,” said Attorney General Dave Sunday, (R) Pennsylvania.
Sullivan County is one of nine counties across the state that are part of the LETI program. Each county involved has different needs, so the program is developed locally by district attorneys, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office, and area police.
“To help connect them with the services they need, in the hope that they can live healthy, happy lives, and they don’t commit that crime and that they don’t go to jail,” said Attorney General Sunday.
Sullivan County District Attorney Julie Gavitt-Shaffer tells Newswatch 16 that some people will benefit more from behavioral health treatment than a stint behind bars, the LETI program helps make sure they get the help they need, and helps prevent them from becoming repeat offenders.
“Much like our substance use problems, so the idea is to treat them and make everyone’s lives better,” said District Attorney General Julie Gavitt-Shaffer, (R) Sullivan County.
District Attorney General Julie Gavitt-Shaffer decided to take part in the program because mental health and substance abuse are ongoing issues in Sullivan County and across the state.
“I would like to say that we don’t have substance use problems or behavioral health problems here, but they’re the same as everyone; they might be a little more visible here because we all know each other, but I think it’s the same in the same proportions as it is elsewhere,” said District Attorney Gavitt-Shaffer.
Counties that are interested in the mental and behavioral health expansion can contact the State Attorney General’s Office.