January 22, 2021
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Angel Program, aimed at helping Michigan residents struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, is celebrating its third anniversary as a statewide program this month. Nearly 440 people have accessed treatment services through the MSP Angel Program.
“This program is directly helping people in our communities get out of the downward spiral of addiction,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “We know it takes an incredible amount of strength for someone to admit they need help. When they make that first step, we help to make the next steps a little less difficult. I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve formed to make this initiative a success.”
The MSP Angel Program, which started as a pilot at the Gaylord Post in October 2016, expanded to all MSP posts across the state throughout 2017 so anyone could walk into a state police post and get help with overcoming addiction. If accepted into the program, participants are assisted with the intake process to receive treatment through a recovery program.
A number of locations have assisted dozens of people throughout the last three years:
"I live with this every single day and I can see now that I still have a lot of life left to live,” said Julia Magaluk, one of the program’s first success stories. “I have all of this support and the resources I need so I feel very confident in my recovery. Sobriety has also given me the chance to help others who are struggling. Assisting others reminds me I am not alone and inspires me to stay sober so I can set a good example.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, adjustments were made to limit in-person contact while still meeting the needs of those seeking treatment. Since March 2020, a phone call can be made to initiate services versus physically visiting a post. Family members and friends are asked to provide transportation to recovery program locations. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, volunteer “angels,” who typically assist with intake paperwork and transportation, have been unable to assist.
All MSP posts are currently participating in the Angel Program. For assistance during regular business hours, call 517-284-3208, or visit the webpage for more information.
A portion of this program was funded by a grant through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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