In response to the rising opioid epidemic, Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network is working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Recovery Research Network, Rebel Recovery, and Wellpath LLC to expand community-based services to incarcerated individuals. The goal of this partnership, known as the Medication Assisted and Peer Services program, is to improve recovery rates for incarcerated people in Palm Beach County.
Partners in the MAPS program increase access to behavioral health care services for incarcerated individuals living with opioid use disorders. The program provides enhanced screenings and assessments, medication-assisted treatment, and counseling.
The MAPS program embeds certified peer specialists throughout services to educate individuals in treatment, provide contacts to community-based services, and support wrap-around services, such as employment, transportation, and housing.
“With rising overdoses compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to include behavioral health care as a solution to the opioid crisis,” said Ann Berner, CEO of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network. “This collaboration among behavioral healthcare professionals, Wellpath’s clinicians and law enforcement brings together the community-based care and coordination necessary to help individuals recover long after incarceration.”
Since October 2019, the MAPS program has:
- Treated 101 individuals;
- Assisted 62 individuals released from jail and referred to community services; and
- Seen 66% of individuals released from jail connect with continuing treatment services in the community.
SEFBHN is one of Florida’s seven Managing Entities that participate in medication-assisted treatment and peer recovery support programs across the state. Managing Entities oversee a network of approximately 300 health care provider organizations delivering behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, to more than 320,000 uninsured Floridians. Providers meet patients’ diverse needs with “wrap-around services” that not only address mental health and substance use issues but also assist with housing, transportation, and employment.
About the Florida Association of Managing Entities
The Florida Association of Managing Entities (FAME) is the statewide organization representing Florida’s seven Managing Entities. FAME’s mission is to advance the behavioral health recovery of individuals and their families in the state of Florida. More information about FAME is available at flmanagingentities.com.
