The camden county department of correction (ccdoc) will use this award to implement the nuentry peer led program (nplp) to expand its capacity to identify, treat, and support individuals…

The Camden County Department of Correction (CCDOC) was awarded a $1,600,000 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and other Substances Use Program (CFDA 16.838). The grant will be used to implement the NuEntry Peer Led Program (NPLP) to expand the CCDOC's capacity to identify, treat, and support incarcerated individuals with a history of substance use disorder, particularly non-opioid substance use. Key activities include integrating care coordination during incarceration, embedding peers as part of a sequential intercept model, developing peer support teams for post-release support, providing recovery support housing, and enhancing family reunification efforts. The project also includes conducting a comprehensive system assessment and establishing a research-driven database to better understand the incarcerated population with substance use disorders. The goal is to promote continuity of care, reduce the likelihood of relapses, and improve community reintegration outcomes, while also addressing racial disparities in treatment access.

The camden county department of correction (ccdoc) will use this award to implement the nuentry peer led program (nplp) to expand its capacity to identify, treat, and support individuals incarcerated in the camden county correctional facility (cccf) with a history of substance use disorder (SUD), especially those suffering from non-opioid substance use. Activities under the nplp involve integrating care coordination during incarceration, embedding peers as part of a sequential intercept model and developing peer support teams for post-release support, providing recovery support housing, and enhancing family reunification efforts. Each of these activities is designed to promote continuity of care, reduce the likelihood of relapses, and improve community reintegration outcomes. The project also includes conducting a comprehensive system assessment to identify barriers and implement targeted interventions and establishing a research-driven database to understand the incarcerated population with suds. In 2023, 2,163 individuals in the cccf reported a history of substance use, with only 41% receiving counseling and support services during incarceration. The nplp aims to address critical gaps in SUD treatment within the criminal justice system; to better address racial disparities in treatment access; and to have lasting impacts on public health and community well-being by reducing reincarceration rates, minimizing recidivism, achieving equitable access to SUD services, and understanding post-covid healthcare needs for incarcerated populations.