Battle Creek Police: More Resources Needed to Fight Addiction

Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker and Calhoun County Sheriff Matt Saxton tell WBCK a recent wave of Heroin overdose deaths has subsided, but the overall problem of addiction still exists.

"This isn't really an enforcement problem as much as it is a prescription and medical problem, and we need to be at the table to make sure we're all working with one another to address the problem," Blocker said.

Saxton said there has been a growing problem over the last ten years in which those who have become addicted to Opiate-based prescription drugs turn to Heroin after the prescriptions are no longer available.

Overall, Saxton and Blocker believe there is a lack of voluntary treatment center options locally for those who may decide to seek treatment on their own.

"Where are the rehabilitative, restorative services? How do we compel not only the not-for-profit hospital social workers, [but also] the state - the Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement programs. All of these things have to...assist in funding this problem," Blocker said.

Blocker and Saxton also talked about the assets in the community, such as drug and alcohol treatment courts, which have helped steer some addicts out of addiction and into productive lives.

They also looked back on the recent Kalamazoo shootings and discussed protocol when a situation like that is going on in a neighboring county. Hear their comments by clicking the player below.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on WBCK.