FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention recently recognized the Framingham Police Department with a Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award.

The award was presented at the State House by Rep. Ruth Balser, D-Newton, to Sarah Abbot, director of the Jail Diversion Program, along with Lt. Paul Shastany, and Deputy Chief Craig Davis.

The Jail Diversion Program helps people with mental illnesses to avoid jail and go into programs that can help them. Framingham Police recognize that many people need help, not a jail cell, to correct their behavior.

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