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Blair County recently approved spending $92,300 to train 142 law enforcement officers for opioid-related emergencies -- paying some officers overtime to do a job they swore an oath to perform. Meanwhile, individuals entering the SUD (substance use disorder) counseling field often pay out-of-pocket for their education and training.
First, why are we paying another state to train our officers when local, cost-effective options exist? The LETI program -- offered free through the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office -- was brought to the District Attorney's attention in 2023 at a meeting I personally attended. It's now active in 33 counties. And there are grant programs that would fully cover these training costs.
Instead, we're draining opioid settlement funds -- blood money -- to benefit law enforcement rather than addressing the direct needs of those in recovery: housing, transportation, peer support, access to care. Why must we constantly find ways to reroute recovery funds to law enforcement?
This is yet another example of why someone with lived experience should have had a real seat at the decision-making table, not just a token spot on a "scoring committee" meant to pacify public opinion.
Until those most impacted are truly heard, these decisions will continue to miss the mark.
Marianne Sinisi
Families United For Change organization
Altoona