A big step in war on heroin in Upper Darby

He was one of the first to ask a very important question when it comes to the war on heroin.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Mike Chitwood was a supporter of the program that saw police and first responders using Narcan to revive heroin OD victims.

But he wondered what happened next, and flatly stated not enough was being done in terms of treatment and rehab centers. Wednesday Chitwood provided an answer.

He was joined by Upper Darby officials in announcing what amounts to the next step in the war on drugs. Chitwood rolled out the details on what is being called Change Is Possible.

Basically, the township police department headquarters now becomes a "safe haven" for anyone seeking help with heroin addiction. Upper Darby Mayor Tom Micozzie called drug addiction and the steep uptick in heroin issues the "Number One war in America."

It's hard to argue with him. The township had nearly 200 drug overdoses and 20 heroin-related deaths last year.

Upper Darby will partner with the noted drug and alcohol treatment center Gaudenzia House.

Basically, anyone seeking help with their addiction can come to the township police station to get help and referrals to agencies that can help, "no questions asked." That means, so long as there are no outstanding warrants for a person's arrest, they can do so without fear of being charged.

It's a huge step that was needed to battle the heroin epidemic that is ravaging not just Upper Darby, but the region and nation as well.

Here are all the details.

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