Marion County Prosecutor Intervention Deflection Program

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.