Williamson county seeks to implement the expanding evidence-based substance use treatment and aftercare services project

This $1,600,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (CFDA 16.838) aims to reduce overdose fatalities and promote sustained recovery from substance use disorders among residents of Williamson County, Texas. Key project activities include:

Securing residential withdrawal management treatment beds for uninsured/underinsured individuals with assessed medical needs, linking these individuals to ongoing treatment and recovery supports upon discharge, and maintaining availability of recovery support groups. The county will partner with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services and The Yellow House Foundation as sub-recipients to provide these residential treatment and recovery services. Expected annual outcomes include connecting 75-100 persons to withdrawal management, developing aftercare plans for at least 90% of those served, and hosting a minimum of 125 recovery support group meetings per month reaching approximately 3,300 individuals. The project period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The purpose of this project is to reduce overdose fatalities and promote sustained recovery from substance use among williamson county residents. Primary beneficiaries of the project include adults and adolescents in williamson county who are experiencing or recovering from a substance use disorder, especially individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Secondary beneficiaries include their family members, employers, and the community. Proposed project activities include securing bed days at residential withdrawal management programs for individuals in crisis with an assessed medical need for this level of care; linking individuals graduating from these residential withdrawal management programs to ongoing treatment and recovery supports; and ongoing participation in a crisis response coalition. Expected annual outcomes include connecting 75-100 persons to residential withdrawal management facilities, and developing an aftercare plan for ongoing recovery supports for at least 90% of those served to give them the best chance to avoid crisis relapse. Funds will also be used to ensure recovery support groups remain available to approximately 3,300 individuals per month through a minimum of 125 meetings per month. To fulfill the proposed activities and outcomes, williamson county will partner with two subrecipients, bluebonnet trails community services and the yellow house foundation to provide with residential withdrawal management programs and authorize bed days for uninsured/underinsured residents who demonstrate medical necessity for this level of care. The yellow house foundation will host 12 step recovery support groups for persons graduating from residential withdrawal management programs, as well as others who wish to maintain their sobriety, share their experience, and ultimately offer hope to others.