State police in Niles searching for "Angel" volunteers
NILES, Mich. - A nationwide program helping to fight the opioid epidemic is expanding through Michigan, and is now in Niles.
The Michigan State Police Angel Program is looking for volunteers to help those fighting opioid addiction.
The program started in Massachusetts in 2015. It has since spread to other states, and is already in several counties throughout Michigan.
Under the Michigan State Police Angel Program, a person struggling with drug addiction can walk into a participating state police post to find help in overcoming the addiction.
The person is safe from being arrested, and if accepted into the program, will receive treatment through a recovery program.
But the police need volunteers to help make this work.
An "Angel" volunteer is someone who provides support, resources and transportation for the participant to help them on their road to recovery.
State police say they plan to keep expanding the program across the state throughout the year.
There are several requirements to be a volunteer. State police say they need people who are compassionate, reliable and most importantly, flexible.
To become a MSP "Angel" volunteer:
- Fill out this application
- Fill out confidentiality agreement and liability waiver
- Go through a criminal background check.
- Be 21 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have a registered, insured and working vehicle.
- Live within an hour of the post.
Volunteers will be trained before their first assignment. They will be responsible for meals and lodging at first, but will be reimbursed.
Police also say having a criminal background does not eliminate you from the program. They look at each volunteer individually. For more information on this, click here.