Reducing Overdose Among Justice-involved Populations in PA

The PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is applying for $4,907,329 to reduce overdose death among two highly vulnerable populations: people under probation supervision and individuals recently released from incarceration. With the assistance of committed project partners, local sites will implement evidence-based models to support people who use drugs and/or in recovery who are justice-involved. County sites will develop tailored local action plans utilizing a menu of program areas.

PCCD’s proposed project builds on a successful pilot program launched in 2021 with Vital Strategies and would support six counties with identifying, planning, implementing, and assessing the impact of evidence-based reforms, services, and supports that can reduce overdose among people on probation and those returning to the community post-incarceration. The proposal was developed in partnership with Vital Strategies, Justice System Partners (JSP), and the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG).

Each county site will receive intensive, tailored supports from the project’s training and technical assistance (TTA) partner, JSP. This work will be informed by a baseline needs assessment and other collaborative research and evaluation strategies executed by CUNY ISLG. PCCD and other statewide partners will ensure these activities are supported, and that project outcomes are translated for policymakers and practitioners across PA and beyond.

Ultimately, these efforts are expected to improve public health and public safety outcomes within six participating PA counties and could spur adoption of promising practices among additional jurisdictions across the state and country. 

PCCD’s proposal aligns with the following Category 1 COSSAP allowable uses/activities:

Planned Activities/Allowable Uses

Percent of Budget

Pre-booking or post-booking treatment alternative-to-incarceration programs

Approximately 17.5%

Evidence-based substance use disorder treatment related to opioids, stimulants, and other illicit drugs, such as MAT, as well as harm reduction activities and recovery support services

Approximately 17.5%

Transitional or recovery housing and peer recovery support services

Not to exceed 30%

Embedding social workers, peers, and/or persons with lived experience at any intercept of the Sequential Intercept Model

Approximately 17.5%

Field-initiated projects that bring together justice, behavioral health, and public health practitioners.

Approximately 17.5%

This proposal also seeks priority consideration under Priority Area 1(A). Page 12 of the proposal narrative provides documentation regarding proposed strategies to promote racial equity and the removal of barriers to access and opportunity for communities that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality.