Blue Envelope Program

It’s designed to help drivers with ASD effectively communicate their specific needs during police-involved traffic stops.

Think about getting pulled over by the police and how your heart is pounding, and your stomach sinks. Now imagine what it must feel like for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may process and communicate information differently than you and me. It could be a terrifying experience—and one that could have a not-so-positive outcome. That is exactly what the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Inspira Health, and local law enforcement want to prevent. 

Cumberland County’s Blue Envelope Program, launched in April, is a groundbreaking new initiative that improves public safety for drivers with ASD—literally an envelope with instructions for both the driver and law enforcement that stays in the vehicle and can be referenced when needed. Originating in Connecticut, the Blue Envelope is a voluntary communication tool designed to help drivers with ASD effectively communicate their specific needs during police-involved traffic stops. 

The program provides a way for drivers to voluntarily and confidentially share critical information about their communication challenges and sensory processing needs with officers, with the goal of reducing misunderstandings and potential use of force during these potentially high-stress interactions. For the driver, it also provides step-by-step instructions for navigating a traffic stop, including reminders to inform officers about the Blue Envelope. 

Blue Envelopes are available at local police departments countywide, Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Cumberland County Health Department, and Inspira Health’s Autism Diagnostic Center – Bridgeton. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in picking up a Blue Envelope, please share/stop by one of these locations. 

The program is part of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Mental Health Working Group and complements the newly established National Public Safety A.I.D. (“Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities”) network, which offers a proactive approach to supporting residents with disabilities during emergency interactions. 

Enrollment in the National Public Safety A.I.D. network is voluntary, free, and secure. The NPSAID program is designed to assist police, emergency responders, and other relevant personnel in responding to situations involving individuals with disabilities. 

The information provided in the NPSAID will be used solely by authorized law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams to better understand the needs of participating individuals in the event of various matters, to include but not be limited to, crisis situations, law enforcement contact, missing persons, emergency medical incidents and to enhance safety for both the participant and first responders during interactions. 

Examples of people with disabilities served by NPSAID are those with mental health issues, mobility issues, dementia or Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairments, hearing, vision or speech deficits, PTSD, developmental and intellectual disorders. The information shared with first responders improves outcomes for those being served and responders alike. Those interested in enrolling can go to www. NPS-AID.org.

“The primary goal of these two efforts is simple—to increase health and safety by creating clearer communication,” stated Prosecutor Webb-McRae. The efforts are part of a much broader endeavor to reimagine public safety through the county’s collaboration with local providers like the Cumberland County Guidance Center, Inspira Health, community-based behavioral health providers, and local law enforcement.

Jo Valenti, BSN, RN, is a Cumberland County Mental Health Advocate.

The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates. 

The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or [email protected]