These March LIMA grads are ready to do great things after getting training and other skills from the program.

A line-up of entertainers and professionals will come together on Friday, Sept. 15 at noon to celebrate the success of 22 Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction program (LIMA) graduates. The event will be at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. The 22 graduations are a big cause for celebration, because their success creates positive ripples through our community. Their graduations mean restored families, contributing community members and hope for other families facing the fallout of a loved one with an addiction.

The LIMA Diversion Program is a nine to 12 month, pre-booking, diversion program. It was developed to provide a voluntary pathway to recovery for individuals involved with low-level crimes related to substance abuse, mental health and homelessness issues. This program enables law enforcement officers to redirect them to community-based services. The LIMA program diverts participants away from the justice system.

“The LIMA diversion program is an example of how treatment, training and accountability can free those struggling with substance abuse from the grip of addiction,” said District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese. “Successful diversion is a positive way forward for those in the program and for the community as a whole.”

Several keynote speakers will convey positive messages including: Attorney General Aaron Ford, VP of NAMI Southern Nevada Dr. Sheldon Jacobs (He is out mastery of ceremonies “MC”) , Director of LVMPD Rachel Skidmore, author Dee Hanzy and LIMA alumni leader America Despasquale. The event will also feature a musical tribute from award winning singers Alli Starr and Carolynee Scott.

To be eligible for the LIMA diversion program, participants must have a chemical dependency issue and be willing to engage in treatment services throughout their participation. Eligible participants shall have no history of drug sales or drug trafficking or sex offenses, and violent criminal history may disqualify an application.

Participant referrals for services are needs-based including:

· Individual and group substance abuse counseling

· Mental health and co-occurring counseling

· Collaborative case management

· Detoxification services

· Intensive outpatient and or inpatient treatment

· Weekly/biweekly meetings with a case manager

· Referrals to sober living, low-income housing, and/or temporary/transitional housing and housing services

· Assistance with secure vital documents and establishment of positive support system

LIMA, a collaboration between Eighth Judicial District Court and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, is a great example of how using alternative, efficient methods ensures justice and reduces the potential for crime.