While overdose-related fatalities have decreased in maryland since 2021, drug- and alcohol-related overdose fatalities are still at historic highs

The Executive Office of the State of Maryland, operating as the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, has been awarded a $466,870 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program Formula Grant by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.593). This four-year grant aims to develop and implement evidence-based assessment and treatment programs for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health issues in Maryland correctional facilities. The key goals are to improve treatment outcomes and reduce recidivism among this population by providing comprehensive, trauma-informed services that include residential SUD treatment, medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health services, life skills training, and reentry planning. The grant will support the design and implementation of programs that address the state's continuing challenge with high rates of drug- and alcohol-related overdose deaths, with a focus on addressing the impact of the opioid crisis.

Between 2014 and 2020, the number of drug- and alcohol-related intoxication deaths increased by 186%, from 1,364 in 2014 to 3,909 in 2020. However, between 2020 and 2023, the total number of drug- and alcohol-related intoxication deaths has decreased by 25%, from 3,909 in 2020 to 2,903 in 2023. Of the 2,903 intoxication deaths in 2023, 90% (N = 2,230) were classified as an opioid-related death, which includes those related to heroin, prescription opioids, and non-pharmaceutical fentanyl. Fentanyl continues to drive opioid-related deaths, demonstrating a significant need for additional state support to address this public health crisis. Following a review of rsat program requirements and past utilization of rsat funds, coupled with a review of the current state and local capacity to meet the treatment needs of justice-involved individuals with SUD, the office, as the state administering agency (SAA) for rsat funds, determined that IT could more effectively utilize rsat funds and maximize treatment outcomes by allocating the funds to support implementation of or increase the capacity of state and local correctional facilities to provide comprehensive services to inmates with SUD and ensure that upon release they are linked to reentry/aftercare services inclusive of ongoing SUD treatment, behavioral health and medical services, housing, transportation, and employment assistance. Specifically, the office will support the design of programs that provide services to justice-involved individuals with CO-occurring mental health and SUD challenges in an effort to address the growing number of alcohol- and drug-related deaths. The office will issue a competitive notice of funding availability (NOFA) that mirrors the federal solicitation requirements, incorporating all of the core elements of an rsat program. The goals of marylands rsat program are to: 1) develop and implement evidence-based assessment and treatment programs for incarcerated individuals diagnosed with SUD and CO-morbid behavioral health issues as indicated; 2) improve treatment outcomes among incarcerated individuals; and 3) reduce rates of recidivism among incarcerated individuals diagnosed with SUD.