The Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addiction program (LIMA) will host a graduation ceremony for participants who have turned their lives around. The celebration for 17 new grads, will be at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, 400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., on Friday, March 3 at 1 p.m.

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 takes a proactive approach to address the root-causes of substance abuse to ultimately reduce crime,” said District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese. “To give those who are teetering on the edge of the justice system a positive way forward, saves tax dollars and makes our community safer.”

Several keynote speakers will convey positive messages including:  DeNeese Parker, Eighth Judicial District Court assistant court administrator; Irma Magrdichian, director of residential treatment services at Westcare Nevada; Robert Banghart a program manager for Crossroads, outreach director for Shine a Light; and Mark Lane, LIMA alumni; who after graduating from LIMA is now managing a sober living home. The event will also feature a musical tribute from singer Tanna Marie and national anthem by Carolyne 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.