Oakland County Jail achieves gold standard of medical care for inmates with opioid addiction
Wayne State University School of Social Work’s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) recently certified Oakland County Jail's "MAT" program for implementing the elements of the in-jail Medication Assisted Treatment model and setting a gold standard for medical care for inmates with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
At a press conference held on April 4, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and community partners including the Oakland Community Health Network, Wellpath, Sacred Heart, Oakland County Corporation Counsel, and Oakland County Public Services, were honored for their commitment to this life-saving program.
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that two-thirds (63%) of sentenced jail inmates met the criteria for a substance use disorder. The American Journal of Public Health estimated that when an incarcerated person is released from jail, they are up to 40 times more likely to die of an overdose within the first two weeks than the general population.
“Behind each percentage is a community member who is loved by someone,” said CBHJ’s Allison Gorine as she presented the award. “Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is an example of how change happens when people come together, put the work in, and make a choice to do the right thing by offering life-saving medications and behavioral health services to persons incarcerated with Opioid Use Disorder.”
The MAT program not only saves lives but also facilitates access to treatment and support for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Using the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice’s model, Oakland County Jail ensures comprehensive screening for OUD, access to FDA-approved medications, and engagement in therapeutic services during incarceration. The program also employs peer support specialists and qualified mental health professionals to aid in discharge planning, promoting continuity of care upon reentry into the community.
“These types of programs are critical for battling the opioid epidemic,” said Sheriff Bouchard. “We have to have a holistic approach … and that means education, that means prevention, that means treatment, that means aversion.”
During the certification process CBHJ researchers interviewed jail staff and reviewed policies and procedures to ensure that all people booked into the jail are screened for Opioid Use Disorder and provided the proper support and treatment.
“In short, they have procedures in place to ensure that no one is left without the opportunity to seek treatment even after they discharge from jail,” said Gorine. “This is why they are deserving of this recognition by the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice. They are one of few jails in Michigan who the center has certified and we are confident they will continue to be a leader in this space.”
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