ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A program that helps those with communication issues during encounters with police will be expanded to 30 more Northampton County departments.
Lehigh Valley Health Network and Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association less than a year ago introduced the Blue Envelope Program to help facilitate communication between special-needs drivers and police.
LVHN, which now is part of Jefferson Health, today will give officers from the additional departments the allotted Blue Envelopes at LVH-Hecktown Oaks.
“After deploying the program in Lehigh County, we received significant interest to partner with other counties in the communities we serve."LVHN Administrator of Emergency Operations Ryan Hay
The free Blue Envelope Program is primarily aimed at drivers with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.
But it also can apply to those with other communication difficulties, anxiety or conditions that might inhibit their ability to communicate during a traffic stop, accident or other interactions with police, a release from LVHN states.
“After deploying the program in Lehigh County, we received significant interest to partner with other counties in the communities we serve," LVHN Administrator of Emergency Operations Ryan Hay said.
"And we are thrilled to collaborate with the Northampton County Police Chiefs Association and offer this resource to even more people.”
Make interaction easy as possible
Under the program, drivers carry a blue envelope in their vehicle, with the front of the envelope stating the driver is on the autism spectrum and indicating their ability for speech.
It also includes instructions for the driver to follow during a traffic stop. On the back, the envelope features tips for police to help make the interaction as easy as possible.
Inside the envelope is a program information sheet and contact information for those who would be able to provide medical information or assistance in interacting with the driver if that becomes necessary.
The sheet details that ASD can impair a person’s ability to communicate and that they may have difficulty understanding or responding to questions, or they could show physical signs of discomfort.
Drivers in the program are to let law enforcement know they have a blue envelope and to provide it when asked.
ASD and other special-needs drivers also are encouraged to keep copies of their driver’s license, registration and insurance information in the envelope, along with the emergency contact sheet.
'Starting point for effective communication'
Pediatrician Dr. Jill Colabroy, with Lehigh Valley Physician Group Pediatrics, said the program helps police officers and drivers establish immediate communication that can help create a better experience for all involved.
"This tool helps both police and drivers have a starting point for effective communication, reducing worry and fear and increasing awareness, which is a win-win for everyone.”Jill Colabroy, pediatrician, LVHN
“Much like patients sometimes feel anxious about going to the doctor, getting pulled over by a police officer can be nerve-wracking, especially for someone with autism,” Colabroy said.
“By having open, honest and meaningful conversation with our patients, we can often alleviate some of that angst.
"This tool helps both police and drivers have a starting point for effective communication, reducing worry and fear and increasing awareness, which is a win-win for everyone.”
Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association President Thomas Barndt, who is also Lower Saucon Police chief, also expressed interest in expanding the program.
“The Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association is excited to implement this program in our communities," Barndt said.
"To help ease the communication and lessen the stress for drivers who are on the autism disorder spectrum, during traffic stops."
Blue envelopes can be picked up at police departments in Lehigh and Northampton counties, at LVPG Family Medicine, LVPG Pediatrics and LVPG Internal Medicine offices.
You also can get one by requesting it at LVHN.org/blueenvelope, where a full list of participating organizations is listed.
The patient and family information page inside the envelope is available in English and Spanish.
