Specifications include, but are not limited to: Activity 1: Community drug disposal systems Community drug disposal systems offer safe methods for discarding unused and expired medications, helping to prevent diversion and protect the environment. Permanent drug drop boxes managed by law enforcement agencies provide an opportunity for community members to dispose of their unwanted and expired medications. Permanent drug drop boxes. Activity 2: Medication-assisted treatment education and awareness training The medications for opioid use disorder approved by the Food and Drug Administration include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The medications work to reduce cravings and most help with withdrawal symptoms. Funding for this activity can be used to train and educate law enforcement officers and other staff on medication-assisted treatment as it relates to the criminal justice system. This can be done through instate training and conferences. This funding can be used to cover overtime and backfill staffing costs. The overtime and backfill staffing costs must be connected to staff attending a training or conference or staff coverage to allow another person to attend a training or conference. Activity 3: Pre-arrest or pre-arraignment deflection programs for people with an opioid use disorder According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, punitive approaches to stop opioid use have largely failed to improve public health and public safety, necessitating a shift in how communities response to and support people with opioid use disorder. Funding for this activity can be used to divert people who are using opioids and engaging in illegal behavior from the criminal justice system by linking them to harm reduction services, treatment, recovery support services, housing assistance, and other social services in their community. Activity 4: Treatment for people incarcerated with opioid use disorder Withholding evidence-based opioid use disorder treatment for people incarcerated increases risk of death during incarceration and upon release. Studies show providing medication-assisted treatment promotes recovery and reduces drug use, disease rates, and overdose events. Applicants accepting this funding must make methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone available to all jail residents with opioid use disorder. To receive funding for this activity, applicants must demonstrate that: • All new jail residents will be screened for opioid use disorder. • All new jail residents will be assessed for opioid overdose risk factors and educated on the signs of an opioid overdose. • All medications for opioid use disorder approved by the Food and Drug Administration will be available, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. • Certified peer specialists and recovery coaches will be available to support jail residents and staff.
