The marion county prosecutors office in marion county, ohio, is applying for the FY23 comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance use (COSSUP) to fund the enhancement of the prosecutor intervention…

The marion county prosecutors office in marion county, ohio, is applying for the FY23 comprehensive opioid, stimulant, and substance use (COSSUP) to fund the enhancement of the prosecutor intervention program for people suffering from substance use disorders (SUD)/opioid use disorders (OUD). The target population for the proposed program are individuals with SUD/OUD who encounter the criminal justice system and are charged by law enforcement with a low-level offense. IT is well known that incarceration is not a suitable solution for people suffering with SUD/OUD, so the overarching goal of this program is to divert individuals from incarceration and instead place them in appropriate treatment, ensuring compliance with the treatment program, and help them achieve long-term recovery. The proposed service area is all of marion county, OH. Marion county is in north central ohio and encompasses 404 square miles. As of the 2020 census, the population of the county is 65,359 (census.GOV, 2020) and has been identified as a rural area by the federal office of rural health policy. In 2020, the age-adjusted rate of unintentional drug overdose deaths in marion county was 60.6, 15 points higher than the ohio average of 45.6 (ohio department of health 2020 drug overdose data). The demographic makeup of marion county is primarily white (90.4%) and the largest minority population is african american (6.5%) (census.GOV, 2020). The marion county prosecutor intervention program (PIP) allows the prosecuting attorney to divert individuals struggling with SUD/OUD from the criminal justice system to appropriate treatment services. An assigned project coordinator works with each client to ensure: 1) connections to appropriate treatment and community resources; 2) stable housing; 3) and follow up engagement. Marion county has a unique level of collaboration within the county. Local law enforcement, EMS and fire, regional hospitals, marion county courts, and local treatment agencies recognize the need for additional services for the population struggling with SUD/OUD. The creation of the PIP program has strengthened the relationships and collaboration efforts of county agencies, creating a solid foundation to enhance their capability of responding and providing emergency treatment for those struggling with SUD/OUD as well as working to reduce overall recidivism rates and overpopulation of the jail system.