Recovery Matters

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), as lead agency, will partner the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC), Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Residences (OKARR), and Oxford House for the FY23 Improving Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment and Recovery Outcomes for Adults in Reentry.  The proposed project, Recovery Matters, will target those exiting incarcerations with substance use disorder particularly those who are on or may need MAT services who are exiting to underserved rural communities, our Native citizens, young adults, and pregnant women. 

The screening and assessment tools used to determine eligibility for Recovery Matters are LSI-R, ORAS, and TCUD 5.  The ODMHSAS Reentry Team will assist participants with pre-release at ODOC correctional facilities to develop a comprehensive individualized reentry plan and will work closely with OKARR and Oxford House to connect to recovery housing.  Certified peer recovery support services are provided at least 30 days pre-release.  As a part of this reentry planning, participants are connected to a contracted provider to receive an array of evidence-based recovery support and treatment services. 

The current rate of recidivism is 17 percent according to those reincarcerated within three years of discharge. Therefore, our mission is to build a recovery-oriented system of care to improve outcomes for returning citizens with substance use disorders. These include improved coordinated referral system to certified recovery housing and treatment; reduction of recidivism rates; and empowering individuals to build their recovery capital to promote long-term recovery. The ODMHSAS DSS team will provide assessment services using comparative studies.

We know the importance of this project in filling the gaps so that reentering Oklahomans with a history of substance abuse do not exit into homelessness, but rather, connected immediately to recovery housing and treatment.  This funding will allow us to build on the collaborative work that has begun by our Second Chance Pay for Success Initiative. By redirecting our response-oriented system to a fostering resiliency community of care that encompasses the strengths of those in recovery and supports these individuals on their lifelong recovery journey, we will provide returning citizens the opportunity to thrive and lead healthy, productive lives.  This application for this project, Recovery Matters, is for $1.08 million dollars for 48 months, and will result in 400 returning citizens linked to recovery housing, treatment, strength-based case management and other natural supports.  The project is a statewide initiative and will include all 39 recognized tribal jurisdictions.