Allegheny County 2022 Highlights Report

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT The Allegheny County Jail increased Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offerings for those experiencing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) by adding Sublocade and expanding methadone availability. A $275,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), funded the addition of Sublocade, which is administered by monthly injection. The jail has treated 164 people with Sublocade since it was first offered in January. The jail also worked with its partner Tadiso, an opioid treatment facility in Pittsburgh, to make methadone available to more people in the jail. Prior to the expansion in October, only pregnant people could access methadone. Sixteen people have since received treatment. The jail continues to offer Suboxone and Vivitrol for those experiencing OUD. Persons must enter the facility with a valid prescription to continue receiving MAT. Jail Program Spotlights INTERDISCIPLINARY PATIENT CARE PROGRAM The jail launched an interdisciplinary patient care pilot program in August. It aimed to streamline healthcare delivery by increasing speed and efficiency, maximizing use of resources, creating stronger provider-patient relationships, and improving patient outcomes. The program brought together Allegheny Health Network (AHN) providers and county-employed practitioners from different disciplines to develop a collaborative approach that provides comprehensive, individualized care for each patient. The team included physical and behavioral health providers from AHN, and a licensed practical nurse, mental health specialist and correctional officer from the county. The pilot was modeled on an outpatient healthcare office where providers assessed physical healthcare needs.

WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES The jail expanded job-training opportunities for incarcerated persons. In 2022, the jail enrolled 68 individuals in the Pathway Home employment program. Participants begin career services while still incarcerated and receive assistance finding employment upon release. They may attend paid vocational training in several different fields while incarcerated or upon release, earning $10 per hour and receiving up to $250 in training-related equipment. Forty-three people have taken advantage of the paid trainings.

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