By Gregory Adams
Standard-Speaker
WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), a part of Jefferson Health, officially launched the Blue Envelope program with Luzerne County police departments on Wednesday at the Wilkes-Barre Twp. Firehouse.
The program, which has already been enacted by departments in Monroe, Lehigh and Northampton counties, is aimed at helping smooth communication between drivers with special needs and police officers.
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Under the program, drivers carry a blue envelope in their vehicle. The front of the envelope notes the driver is on the autism spectrum and indicates if that person is verbal or nonverbal. The envelope includes instructions for the driver on what to do during a traffic stop.
The back of the envelope has tips for police to help their interaction with the driver go smoothly.
Inside the envelope is a sheet that explains the program and provides contact information to medical attention or assistance in interacting with the driver if that were to become necessary. The sheet also explains that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can impair the driver’s ability to communicate and they may have difficulty understanding or responding to questions.
Kingston Police Chief Richard Kotchik believes the implementation of the program is an important way to enhance how local departments can serve and protect all residents.
“This program strengthens the relationship between law enforcement and the community,” Kotchik said. “It demonstrates our commitment to evolving, listening and finding better ways to serve, especially those who may need a little extra support.”
Erin Ludwig, executive director of community engagement with Jefferson Health, spoke to the audience of local officers and noted having to interact with law enforcement could make anyone anxious but for individuals on the autism spectrum those interactions can be especially challenging.
Since the program’s launch in Lehigh County in April 2024, more than 10,000 blue envelopes have been distributed and have been made available to over 50 law enforcement agencies.
April is also World Autism Month.
Kotchik said he was first made aware of the program through other police chiefs in the county.
Dallas Twp was the first local agency to implement the blue envelopes last year and after hearing about their success with it was more than happy to introduce it county-wide.
“I think it’s going to be great for the guys to start learning more about it and I think this is going to be the way to do it,” he added.
Officers will have literature available to go over about the program as well as trainings on autism and different signs to look for during interactions.
Kotchik said he will get the envelopes and literature out to every department in the county for use.
The program was birthed through a partnership between LVHN and Salisbury Township., Lehigh County.
Ludwig says the feedback has been satisfying.
“Its been great to see some of the extensions of the program. It’s very interesting to schools and driver education programs, colleges and universities, community partners, and that’s what’s continued to inspire us, just the continued enthusiasm of being open to creating better understanding between these populations,” she remarked.
Ludwig said they will continue to respond to community need in terms of expanding the program, noting there are still ample growth opportunities.
Blue envelopes can be obtained by contacting your local police department.
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