Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Federal Funding to Support Substance Use Disorder Programming for Incarcerated Individuals

Braintree — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that $310,000 in grants has been distributed to the Massachusetts sheriffs to support the delivery of residential and jail-based substance use disorder treatment programs for incarcerated individuals.

The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners (RSAT) Grant Program invests federal funds in treatment programs at correctional facilities. The program strives to improve outcomes for individuals by reducing illegal drug use and distribution while enhancing community safety. The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) manages the program in Massachusetts.

“Substance use disorder is a public health crisis, and it requires health-focused responses from our criminal justice agencies. These grant-funded programs improve access to treatment for those in custody and advance the rehabilitative process,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants invest in essential treatment services for those who suffer from substance use disorder and support successful reintegration for incarcerated individuals upon their return to the community.”

“These grants represent our commitment to using evidence-based approaches to improve public health and public safety. This program equips sheriff’s departments with resources to address the opioid crisis and deliver much-needed support to those who are struggling with addiction,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

“Programs funded through these grants ensure that individuals have equitable access to treatment services while incarcerated and supports a pathway to sustained positive life choices as they reintegrate into the community after release,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy.

“By building partnerships and investing resources in promising programs, we’re able to make measurable improvements in the safety and well-being of Massachusetts communities. I’m grateful to our ongoing partnerships with the sheriff’s departments who will use these funds to improve outcomes and public safety,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

Under federal program rules, agencies were invited to apply for up to $30,000 for a jail-based program or $35,000 for a residential program, in which individuals are housed in a unit separate from the general population. Additional program criteria and distinctions between the two program types can be found in the Availability of Grant Funds (AGF).

The FY24 RSAT funding recipients are:

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