Across the country, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) continues to be one of the most prevalent challenges faced by many: in 2023, 15.35% of Americans were reported to be battling substance use disorder according to data from Mental Health America. Of those, 93.5% did not receive any form of treatment. Stigma, cost, and geographical barriers have been cited as reasons for patients not receiving this vital behavioral treatment.
For incarcerated individuals, the hurdles to accessing SUD care are even more difficult due to limited resources, overcrowded facilities, and a lack of specialized treatment programs.
On the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance (BRTA), an organization dedicated to improving health and health care via telehealth, is increasing access to SUD treatment for patients in correctional facilities. Through strategic grants and partnerships, BRTA has facilitated the integration of telehealth services into regional jails.
“Not only has telehealth given incarcerated patients access to treatment, but this project proves that telehealth can be a sustainable tool for closing gaps in access to specialized care,” said Mary Ochsner, Executive Director of BRTA. “Patients of the program have the option to remain connected with their behavioral health care provider after the patient is released from incarceration. I think that has been a great success and part of the buy-in for patients is that [the provider] will be there to support them during their time incarcerated, and after.”
These initiatives started with a Rural Health Network Development Grant, which connected the regional jail and community service board (CSB) on the Eastern Shore during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has proven to be impactful and lasting for the Regional Jail. BRTA’s project partners facilitated seamless connectivity by linking the justice-involved population to behavioral health providers via a mobile unit stationed at the jail. This innovative approach not only ensured continuity of care but also surpassed initial expectations, with a staggering 241 individuals receiving SUD treatment, doubling a projected goal of 130.
By leveraging telehealth capabilities, BRTA’s project partners have helped offer services including counseling, medication-assisted treatment, access to peer recovery specialists, and engagement with Smart Recovery Groups, fostering a supportive environment conducive to healing. These programs have not only empowered individuals in their recovery journey but also established robust referral systems, ensuring continued support post-release.
BRTA helped established integrated behavioral health services at local health departments for community members, including post-release support for justice involved individuals without insurance, facilitating over 2,600 visits within 18 months. Through additional grant projects BRTA was able to work with organizational members to open three new Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) access points, that have been established in Kilmarnock, West Point, and Tappahannock.
“This strategic expansion has not only bolstered service accessibility but also opened up partnership opportunities with other regional jails, laying the groundwork for sustainable treatment models,” said Ochsner. “We hope our learnings can be applied and replicated across other correctional facilities and in communities to increase access to care for all.”
In partnership with the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, BRTA is hosting a three-part webinar series titled “Implementing Effective SUD Treatment in Regional and County Correctional Facilities”. More information and registration can be found on BRTA’s website.