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Dare County and local law enforcement officials surround Outer Banks Health speech therapist Kristin Kuhar in support of the Blue Envelope Program. Pictured, from left, are Southern Shores Police Department (SSPD) Deputy Chief Jon Slegel; Nags Head Police Department Deputy Chief Chris Montgomery; SSPD Chief David Kole; Dare County Sheriff Kristin Kuhar, Doug Doughtie; Kill Devil Hills Police Department (KDHPD) Deputy Chief Dana Harris; KDHPD Captain Chris Carter; KDHPD Chief Gary Britt; Manteo Police Department Chief Brad Eilert; Kitty Hawk Police Department (KHPD) Chief Michael Palkovics; Duck Police Department Chief Jeff Ackerman; and KHPD Lieutenant Jimmy Helms. Courtesy of Outer Banks Health

The blue envelopes distributed to community members through the program contain tips for law enforcement, a card identifying the person and indicating their condition or disability, and space for relevant documents such as a vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Courtesy of Outer Banks Health

In partnership with Dare County and local law enforcement, Outer Banks Health is bringing the Blue Envelope Program to the community. The program is designed to provide law enforcement with a means of communication when interacting with community members diagnosed with conditions or disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, dementia, and anxiety.

The blue envelopes distributed to community members through the program contain tips for law enforcement, a card identifying the person and indicating their illness or disability, and space for relevant documents such as vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The program allows a person with an illness or disability to present the blue envelope to law enforcement or other community service personnel during an interaction so they are not perceived as uncooperative or combative.

The idea to bring the Blue Envelope Program to Dare County came from Outer Banks Health speech therapist Kristin Kuhar, according to an Outer Banks Health press release. “I became aware of this program in New Jersey and found out that other cities, counties and states participate in it as well,” Kuhar said. “I thought it could benefit our community as well. We have many community members from diverse backgrounds who have communication issues. For these individuals, communication can become extremely difficult in stressful situations. The Blue Envelope Program provides a way to reduce stress and increase effective communication for both law enforcement and the individual.”

The program is supported by the Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Southern Shores, Duck and Nags Head police departments and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Blue envelopes are available free of charge throughout Dare County, including at doctor’s offices, libraries, police departments, senior living facilities and high schools. The program is completely voluntary and self-administered.

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