This podcast series, hosted by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) features conversations about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in rural jails.
In this Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) podcast series, participants discuss medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in rural jails. Episode 1: “A Jail Medical Staff Administrator’s Perspective” discusses the Albany County Correctional and Rehabilitative Services Center (ACCRSC). Jill Harrington, Health Services Administrator at ACCRSC, shares what makes the program successful, the impact of legislation passed in New York State in 2021, the role of partnerships, and the importance of credentialed alcoholism and substance use counselors. Episode 2: “A Social Service Provider's Perspective” focuses on West Tennessee Healthcare’s Pathways Behavioral Health Services (Pathways). Courtney Collier, Telehealth Coordinator and Peer Specialist for Pathways, discusses his experience working with individuals receiving MAT while in jail custody or upon transition to the community. Episode 3: “A Community-based MAT Provider’s Perspective” discusses the Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC) of Greenfield, Massachusetts, which serves the most rural area of the commonwealth. CHCFC works directly with the Franklin County House of Correction to provide medication-assisted treatment, cofunding a community health worker who helps with release planning and transitions. Rachel Katz, Director of CHCFC’s Office-based Addiction Treatment Program, discusses dismantling both internal and external stigma through education, building community buy-in of medications for opioid use disorder, and collaboratively building a safety net for individuals with substance use disorders who are transitioning from incarceration to the community. Episode 4: “An MAT Program Coordinator’s Perspective,” features Michael White, former Director of Community Programs at Community Medical Services, discusses his experience working with rural communities. In Episode 5: “A Jail Administrator’s Perspective,” Jessica Pete, Jail Administrator of the St. Louis County Jail, discusses eliminating community and staff bias against MAT; gives advice on the “nuts and bolts” of program implementation, including cross-training medical and security staff; and shares how COVID-19 helped the jail move forward.