The Detention Center introduced the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Bridges program to address individuals with opioid use disorders. The MAT program combines medication and counseling to reduce cravings, treat withdrawals, and return patients to pre-substance function. Goals of the program include:
- Treat those with opioid use disorder (OUD) utilizing effective MAT programs.
- Encourage participation in counseling and behavioral therapies.
- Build bridges between the Detention Center and community-based treatment providers.
- Reduce recidivism and reduce the return to opioid use within the first 90 days of exiting incarceration.
- Increase public safety.
Narcan Vending Machines
Three vending machines dispensing Narcan, an FDA-approved "miracle drug" with the ability to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, have been made available at no-cost to the public, in an effort to increase community access to a life-saving medication. The vending machines can be found on the first floor of the Law and Justice Center, the Our Place Drop-In Center, and the CJS reception area. Narcan works by binding with opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids for 30 to 90 minutes, reversing respiratory depression. Narcan is considered safe, non-addictive and effective at restoring normal breathing. The machines were paid for through the IIR grant, and the Narcan is provided by the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
"Our primary goal is to eliminate opioid use in our community. The unfortunate reality is, many of us have neighbors, family, or friends that are struggling with opioid addiction. My hope is that these machines will be a resource for people who are trying to avoid losing their loved ones to addiction." - Chief Brett Petty, Helena Police Department
In the first six months since the vending machines were introduced, 581 boxes of Narcan have been distributed.