Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Announces Expansion of Medication-Assisted Treatment and Opioid Treatment Programs in Partnership with NaphCare

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA & RENO, NEVADA –The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and their correctional healthcare partner, NaphCare, Inc., are proud to announce the expansion of the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) at the Washoe County Detention Facility. By administering medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), this initiative aims to lower the risk of relapse and fatal overdose among patients, while promoting long-term recovery.

Notably, the Washoe County Detention Facility is the only detention center in Nevada to earn certification as an OTP by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide opioid treatment within the jail.

“Redefining the care for those in our custody was a top priority for the Sheriff’s Office,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said. “The success of the MAT Program is measured by recidivism. Over the past five years we’ve shown a great reduction in recidivism for those people that have been in our MAT program. Of the 716 participants in the first five years, only 208, or 29.1%, recidivated within one year; as compared to a national average of 45.8%. There are only 11 opioid treatment programs in the state, and we are the only jail-based opioid treatment program. This is a testament to our desire, and the desire of our medical provider, to work together treating the needs of those in our care. We thank NaphCare for being our partners in this program, and we look forward to continuing to work to improve outcomes for those we serve.”

With the expansion of its MAT and OTP programs, Washoe County Detention Facility can better manage patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) immediately upon incarceration, ensuring continuous care that supports their health throughout incarceration and during their reintegration into the community.

Research shows that opioid use is significantly higher among incarcerated individuals compared to the general U.S. population, and those recently released from prison face an increased risk of fatal drug overdose. With the expansion of its MAT and OTP programs, Washoe County Detention Facility can better manage patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) immediately upon incarceration, ensuring continuous care that supports their health throughout incarceration and during their reintegration into the community.

“NaphCare is honored to partner with the Washoe County Detention Facility to enhance and expand our program, ensuring that we provide high-quality, comprehensive care to each and every individual,” said Dr. Elliot Wade, MD, Regional Corporate Medical Director for NaphCare. “By providing MAT and OTP services, we are collectively improving health outcomes by reducing patients’ risk of relapse and fatal overdose and helping to sustain recovery.”

In 2021, the Washoe County Detention Facility received accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) for meeting its standards for Opioid Treatment Programs in correctional facilities. And this year, the Washoe County Detention Facility was awarded the Pinnacle Award by the NCCHC. The NCCHC Pinnacle Award is the highest distinction in correctional health care, recognizing the detention facility’s NCCHC accreditation across three distinct service areas, including jail health services, mental health services and opioid treatment programs. This marks only the third Pinnacle Award ever granted in the nation.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office recently renewed its contract with NaphCare. As a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the 1,200 patients it serves at the Washoe County Detention Facility, NaphCare will continue to oversee medical, mental health, dental, and pharmaceutical healthcare services, including its life-saving MAT and OTP programs.