INDIANAPOLIS — The Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance granted $1,192,460 to a partnership between the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the City of Indianapolis’ Office of Public Health and Safety, and the Marion County Reentry Coalition to fight Marion County’s opioid epidemic.
The “Integrated Response Project” aims to reduce opioid use and opioid-related deaths in Marion County by aiding two groups: those who are incarcerated in the Marion County Jail who have been diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder or have a history of illicit opioid use, and non-violent individuals at risk of arrest for behavior related to their substance use or mental health issues.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports that at least 85 percent of individuals currently in the Marion County jail have a substance use issue. Under the grant, the partners will provide an “active engagement program” for these individuals, connecting them with resources and services that aim to address substance use issues and provide continued support following their release from jail.
The second component of the Integrated Response Project focuses on keeping non-violent individuals with substance use and mental health issues out of the Marion County Jail altogether, in line with Mayor Joe Hogsett’s efforts to reform the criminal justice system in Marion County. Through a partnership with the Reuben Engagement Center, the project will increase the ability of law enforcement to divert these individuals to a shelter environment where they can be provided with medical services and connections to other community resources.