The chief of police in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is traveling to Washington, D.C., today to meet with lawmakers and tout the city’s new approach to handling drug addicts. In a Facebook post that’s received two million views, Police Chief Leonard Campanello announced earlier this month Gloucester police will no longer criminally charge drug addicts who seek help, instead guiding them immediately toward detox and recovery. The police department has also reached a deal with a local pharmacy to cover the cost of the life-saving overdose antidote Narcan for the uninsured, using money seized from drug dealers. Campanello discussed the plans with local news station WCVB.

Leonard Campanello: “We wanted the police department to be one of the safe havens that you could walk in when you are ready, and we don’t want to waste that moment when the addict is ready. We’re done with an addict being criminally charged for the offense of addiction. We’re going to take that extra step and make sure that they get the treatment that they need.”