Monday, November 25, 2024
11/25/2024
The issue of Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD) is prevalent within the criminal justice system. Addressing the underlying causes of OUD is a key strategy in reducing recidivism and the associated financial strain on local government resources. Efforts to manage OUD often involve a combination of treatment programs, support services, and policy initiatives. Clark County, a government agency located in southern Nevada, which funds the Clark County Detention Center, the largest jail in the state, operated by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Detention Services Division (DSD), has embarked on efforts to manage OUD using a combination of treatment and support programs for inmates. Clark County seeks to implement a Medication-Assisted Treatment (“MAT”) program in phased increments, initially targeting incarcerated individuals who have an OUD. The purpose of this program is to provide access to DSD’s underserved OUD population to reduce the proliferation of OUD within DSD. The MAT program will be jail-based and have initial capabilities to provide services to 50 inmates. Key elements of the MAT program, administered by DSD’s medical services provider, Wellpath, will include screening and assessment of all inmates at intake to identify individuals who suffer from OUD and other comorbidities, behavioral health counseling, access to FDA approved, evidenced based medications and methodologies to assist with treatment of the whole patient for improved outcomes upon re-entry. The primary goal of the MAT program is to support individuals in their journey toward full recovery from OUD to improve patient outcomes and reduce recidivism. The jail-based MAT program provides the time and resources to facilitate safe withdrawal from opioids and the ability to stabilize individuals prior to release in the community. The program focuses on an evidence-based holistic approach to the treatment of OUD.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
