Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) and Recovery Navigator programs focus on community based case management and alternatives to jail and prosecution. Both programs have 1 Thurston County team and 1 Mason County team.

These programs allow participants, neighborhoods, community services, police, and prosecutors to work together to ensure that individuals who have unmet needs because of substance use, mental health issues, and/or extreme poverty receive the help they need to address problems they are facing. These programs are voluntary and participants are supported in meeting their self-identified goals. LEAD and Recovery Navigator programs use a harm-reduction approach that focuses on dignity, honesty, and being non-judgmental.

Learn more about the creation of LEAD programs from the LEAD National Support Bureau here.

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On February 25, 2021, the Washington Supreme Court in State v. Blake, found the possession of a controlled substance statute to be unconstitutional. 

From the WA Health Care Authority: Engrossed Senate Bill 5476 addresses the State v. Blake decision and justice system responses and expands behavioral health prevention, treatment, and services. The Recovery Navigator program (RNP) is a statewide effort, in partnership with Behavioral Health Administrative Organizations (BHASOs), to provide community-based outreach, intake, assessment, and connection to services. These services support youth and adults with substance use disorder (SUD), including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and others who are referred from community sources. 

Click here to read WA Health Care Authority's Recovery Navigator Program Fact Sheet.

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