Overdose and Substance Use Reduction and Prevention Project

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 County’s 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.