Governor Josh Stein, NCDHHS, and the NC Harm Reduction Coalition have announced a $1.5 million expansion of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. The funding will help seven law enforcement agencies — including those in Fayetteville, Albemarle, Gaston County, Greensboro, New Hanover County, Robeson County, and Harnett County — connect people struggling with addiction to treatment and recovery services instead of jail.
The LEAD program offers alternatives to arrest for low-level, non-violent offenses linked to substance use. Participants are screened and paired with case workers who link them to mental health, medical, and social services. The expansion builds on successful efforts in Cumberland County and Fayetteville, where similar programs have reduced repeat arrests…