Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp on Monday announced the county has been awarded a $250,000 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs to build out a Medication-Assisted Treatment pilot
program for inmates at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. An initiative announced last fall by County Mayor Wamp, Sheriff Austin Garrett, and District Attorney General Coty Wamp, the MAT program will provide medications for opioid use disorder in tandem with therapeutic and behavioral support to incarcerated individuals suffering from substance abuse.
“As we confront the crisis of opioid abuse across Hamilton County, the implementation of an effective MAT program at the jail will further establish our county as a national leader in the fight against deadly drugs,” said County Mayor Wamp. “If we are successful, this initiative will change the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens and reduce recidivism in our community.”
In April, County Mayor Wamp allocated restricted opioid funds to construct and equip space at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center for participants in the MAT program, providing a hub for medical and therapeutic treatment.
Hamilton County was one of 10 counties nationwide selected to participate in a cohort allowing the county to apply for this grant. Part of the grant will be used to support transportation and reentry services for inmates upon release and to train deputies working with the MAT program. Medical staff will be the sole party administering medications to individuals in the program.
“The HCSO is proud to partner with County Mayor Wamp to use this COSSUP grant to support the medical and occupational needs of inmates in the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center," said Sheriff Garrett. "This funding will be used to build out our MAT program for inmates suffering from opioid addiction and substance abuse. Our goal here is clear… We want to continue to help inmates receive the medical services necessary not only to reduce recidivism, but to help them live more productive and drug-free lives upon release."
Training for deputies, medical, and clinical staff is slated to begin this fall in preparation for the program launch.