Substance Abuse/Drugs

Arkansas requested meeting with BJA and RSAT-TTA to discuss the 10% jails match and it's associated requirements. AR DFA is hosting a webinar for potential county applicants and requested information to present to sheriff's and other interested parties. RSAT-TTA sent notes from discussion to Arkansas summarizing jail-based requirements and funding options through other state examples. RSAT-TTA followed up with former COSSUP grantee in AR who may be interested in participation - sending their contact information to AR DFA to attend upcoming webinar.

SD is a prospective RSAT grantee having not accepted grant funds for 7 years. They are exploring avenues to use funding and anticipate applying for funds next FFY. They run several reentry prorgams servicing formerly incarcerated individuals which is a potential avenue funding to be used. Discussed potential opportunities and uses of grant funds to support existing drug/alcohol treatment programs in county jails. The DOC is a potential subaward though they already have a relation with the state DOC via reentry programs which may be eligible funding.

The opioid crisis and the flood of other drugs has reached epidemic proportion in many of our tribal communities across the nation. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Tables, twice as many American Indians and Alaska Natives require treatment for addiction compared to any other racial and ethnic group.

The 2023 Solicitation began a requirement of  Appendix A: Certification Regarding Nonresidential Substance Use Treatment Aftercare, that if CT chooses to use RSAT funding for aftercare the Governor must certify that the state is providing, and will continue to provide, an adequate level of residential substance use treatment services. CT is seeking guidance on how other states define the term ‘adequate’ to submit this certification. RSAT TTA consulted BJA policy officers and responded to CT SAA.

Join us for a webinar to learn what the latest research says about medication assisted treatment. This webinar will examine five myths surrounding medication for opioid and alcohol use disorders within incarcerated populations. Drawing on research and studies, the speakers will consider research findings about the effectiveness of Correctional MAT in saving lives, promoting recovery, reducing recidivism, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals struggling with opioid use disorders.

Join us to discuss approaches to overcoming the challenges in aligning agencies and systems responsible for preventing, intervening, and treating these issues to change the trajectories of the lives of drug endangered children. Explore best practices in breaking the multi-generational cycles of misuse and neglect. Examine steps to implement the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Approach, a comprehensive strategy based on a common vision, collaboration that is on-going between various disciplines and agencies, and on-going changes in practice.

Join us to discuss approaches to overcoming the challenges in aligning agencies and systems responsible for preventing, intervening, and treating these issues to change the trajectories of the lives of drug endangered children. Explore best practices in breaking the multi-generational cycles of misuse and neglect. Examine steps to implement the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Approach, a comprehensive strategy based on a common vision, collaboration that is on-going between various disciplines and agencies, and on-going changes in practice.

Discuss the value of peer recovery support services (PRSS) to enhance substance use recovery. Explore the history of peer support as an effective intervention for tribal populations. Engage in peer exchange with tribal representatives who have implemented a peer support program, including an opportunity for Q&A. This webinar will review a new valuable resource available to support tribes interested in implementing a PRSS Program, Culturally Responsive Pathways to Peer Programming in Tribal Communities.

The following activities occurred during this reporting period:

· Newly released resources were added to the COSSUP Resource Center website, as well as new announcements, funding opportunities, and learning opportunities.

The following Community of Practice activities occurred during this reporting period:

• Hosted a State Agency Community of Practice meeting (July and September 2024)
• Hosted OFR Data System User Group meetings (August, October, and December 2024)
• Hosted Next-of-Kin Interview Learning Community convenings (September 2024)
• Hosted Grantee monthly cohort calls (August – December 2024)