Knowing who to call in an emergency is crucial.

A comprehensive list of community services is a valuable asset to have in your back pocket.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department was recently gifted with collaborative handouts from our friends at the Lexington/ Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council. The collaboration was made possible through an award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

LRADAC is a non-profit that offers a wide array of prevention, in tervention and treatment programs in locations convenient to residents of both counties.

The handouts are given to our road deputies as a resource to provide to residents in need.

Calls for service may go beyond what the scope of law enforcement can provide. This is where community organizations step in.

From contacts at local detoxification and treatment centers to battered women shelters, all numbers and web addresses are provided on a convenient 5x8 card.

We are grateful for community partnerships that allow a greater extent of ser vices to reach the people who might need them.

These relationships with area churches, businesses, charity and civic groups throughout Lexington County provide a greater capacity for crime prevention, citizen education, community involvement and meeting the needs of people in distress.

To find a list of these resources and accompanying contact information, please visit www.lexingtonsheriff. com/resource-guide .