Reno county health department is excited to submit this application that will provide funding for establishment of medication assisted treatment (mat) in the jail setting as well as, implementation…

The County of Reno received a $1,000,000 Project Grant award from the Department of Justice's Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and other Substances Use Program (CFDA 16.838). The grant will fund two key initiatives: 1) Establishment of a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program within the Reno County Correctional Facility to provide evidence-based treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder, and 2) Implementation of an Overdose Fatality Review Board to engage multi-disciplinary partners in reviewing overdose data and identifying opportunities for upstream prevention efforts. These programs aim to improve medical and mental health outcomes, reduce recidivism, and provide equitable substance use disorder recovery support for the Reno County community. The 3-year grant period runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.

Reno county health department is excited to submit this application that will provide funding for establishment of medication assisted treatment (mat) in the jail setting as well as, implementation funding to support the work of an overdose fatality review board. Reno countys efforts in partnering to implement overdose mapping, and implementation of harm reduction activities have had positive interactions across our community. These activities have led to a spike alert protocol and messaging for citizens when dangerous substances were entering our community. Messaging, anti-stigma, and education efforts over the past two years have begun to change minds which is evident in the data collected in the 2022 health assessment which indicates that 66% of our population support harm reduction efforts and view substance misuse as a disease. Implementing mat in the reno county correctional facility will provide a harm reduction service to individuals who experience substance use disorder and enter incarceration. Mat is a resource to support jail administrators in providing effective treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder and helping to halt the opioid epidemic in the united states. Jails can be on the front lines of this epidemic, and they also are in a unique position to initiate treatment in a controlled, safe environment. Mat is a cornerstone for best practice for recovery from substance misuse, particularly when coupled with evidence based therapy offered from our partners. This will improve medical and mental health outcomes and reduce relapses and recidivism. Reno county is ready to implement harm reduction efforts that will provide equitable support for all citizens who are ready for recovery. Intentions with this application are to develop a lasting impact among community partners that will allow communication and support for individuals and families. Implementation of an overdose fatality review board will engage partners such as law enforcement, district attorneys, mental health providers, drug court, not-for-profits, medical partners, and families. The board will review data and activities from individuals who have passed due to an overdose, giving reno county the opportunity to better understand if there was a missed opportunity to go further upstream and implement prevention methods. Allowing for the development of policies, and services to support individuals and families experiencing substance use disorder. These actions will support prevention efforts, recovery supports, reduce recidivism, and reduce secondary trauma based off the recommendations of this multidisciplinary team.