The opioid crisis has become a national issue, and Christian County has had its fair share of problems from the crisis. But a new program being developed for the coming year would help addicts get to treatment before facing drug charges.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp says he has been working with Christian County Resident Circuit Judge Brad Paisley to create a program called “Safe Passages.” The program would allow addicts to come to the Sheriff’s Department or any Christian County police department to bring in their drugs and ask for treatment, and the department would help them get into treatment immediately without facing charges.

Kettelkamp says the goal of the program is to get addicts back on their feet before they end up in jail and going through the court system.

Kettelkamp says the program is just a few steps away from becoming a reality.

Kettelkamp says the program can take a big bite out of the drug issues in Christian County, but the program can only help addicts who want the help.