Ingham County Jail sets benchmark for substance use disorder treatment with MAT program
The Ingham County Correctional Facility (ICCF) has been recognized with the prestigious Certificate of Fidelity from the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) at Wayne State University's School of Social Work for its exemplary implementation of the Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program. This award signifies ICCF's commitment to reducing substance use disorder (SUD) within the jail population and establishing a model of care that benefits both incarcerated individuals and the broader community.
ICCF partnered with CBHJ throughout 2024 to enhance the MAT program, initially launched in 2019. The program focuses on screening incoming inmates for SUD and offering them access to medication-based treatment during incarceration. By reducing barriers to life-saving medications, MAT has demonstrated significant outcomes, including decreased overdose risks, lower crime rates, and improved community health.
"We’re having an impact, not only on people in our incarcerated community who are going to be healthier once they get out, but on the community as a whole," said Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth. "This work ensures healthier outcomes for people reentering society and fosters safer communities." Wriggelsworth also expressed gratitude to the CBHJ and key partners including the Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham County Community Mental Health Authority, Ingham County Health Department, Corrections Assessment and Treatment Services, and VitalCore.
The need for such programs is underscored by national statistics: the U.S. Department of Justice reports that 63% of jail inmates have SUD, while the American Journal of Public Health highlights that recently released inmates are up to 40 times more likely to die from an overdose within the first two weeks of release compared to the general population.
The Certificate of Fidelity not only honors ICCF's commitment to addressing these challenges but also sets an example for other correctional facilities to follow in providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals with SUD.
About the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice: The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice at the Wayne State University School of Social Work envisions communities in which research, data, and best practices are used by multiple stakeholders to enhance the optimal well-being of individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal/legal system. Learn more