Reno County, KS
Reno County Health Department
kansas
Rural | Population: 61,497Reno County, Kansas, is advancing its commitment to public safety and long-term community well-being by implementing a comprehensive jail-based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, launched in 2023. This initiative has expanded access to evidence-based treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder by supporting both the continuation and initiation of FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine. The program integrates cognitive behavioral therapy alongside medication, aligning with best practices for MAT delivery. In partnership with Horizons Mental Health Center, the Reno County Health Department, and the Reno County Sheriff's Office, the program also features a peer-led “in-reach” model that strengthens reentry planning and improves continuity of care. These coordinated efforts help individuals begin their recovery while incarcerated and maintain stability during the critical transition back into the community.
Building Momentum and Creating Impact
The program’s overarching goal is to provide individuals at high risk of overdose and recidivism with timely access to treatment and wraparound supports that promote recovery and reduce recidivism. By addressing substance use disorder and equipping partners with education and training, the program is actively reducing the stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment (MAT), leading to more effective and collaborative partnerships. Reno County is transforming its approach to incarceration and reentry through these efforts by enhancing jail-based treatment and services to support long-term recovery.
“I do feel like overall we are reducing the incidence of returning to use. I have watched a couple of patients begin to rebuild their lives. And I have three with their longest period of sobriety ever—one of whom is no longer stealing items from community members to fund his SUD. All in all, I do believe that our program is reducing the rate of recidivism while decreasing risk and incidence of overdose and supplying a solid foundation for one to rebuild their life upon.”
—Brittny Patterson, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Horizons Mental Health Center
Key Components of the Program
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at the Reno County Correctional Facility
30
individuals screened for substance use needs
The Reno County Correctional Facility (RCCF) has taken significant steps to implement a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). Individuals entering the facility are screened for MAT eligibility, and those already on a MAT prescription are automatically enrolled. Currently, the facility offers buprenorphine, group-based recovery classes, and reentry support services. To further enhance care continuity, the program includes in-reach services through a contracted partnership with Horizons Mental Health Center, ensuring that participants begin reentry planning and service connection before release. Horizons coordinates referrals from RCCF to community providers, conducts pre-release assessments, schedules follow-up treatment, assists with housing and insurance navigation, and provides appointment support for individuals transitioning back into the community.
16
individuals were continued on mat
In addition to MAT delivery, the facility uses evidence-based screening and withdrawal management tools. Horizons utilizes the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA) to evaluate individuals entering custody on opiates or alcohol, ensuring that appropriate withdrawal protocols are followed. Simultaneously, the Reno County Health Department administers the Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS) at intake to gather data on the prevalence of opioid use within the jail population. Thirty individuals have been screened, and 16 have continued MAT within RCCF. This prevalence data supports ongoing planning and decision-making regarding expanding MAT services within RCCF. The program provides a 3-day bridge prescription for individuals released unexpectedly to maintain treatment continuity until community-based care is resumed, with support from a dedicated reentry care navigator. Horizons and the Reno County Health Department have identified two local prescribers to manage ongoing MAT in the community and secured a local pharmacy as a reentry partner to further strengthen post-release care. As of now, 16 inmates have continued MAT while incarcerated at RCCF, marking an important step toward improved recovery outcomes. The program is already showing signs of success.
Overdose Fatality Review
14
cases reviewed by the overdose fatality review team
Reno County has made significant progress by creating the Reno County Overdose Fatality Review Board Governing Council (RCOFR). The RCOFR Governing Council serves as a central body to guide overdose prevention efforts, shape policy recommendations, and oversee the implementation of strategies that support community health and safety. The Governing Council meets once a quarter, and its first official meeting was in January. The team has held monthly meetings with a clear governance structure, beginning with the first official session on January 12, 2024. A dedicated OFR Program Coordinator has been hired, and a data analyst actively supports the effort, with work underway to define and collect relevant data variables. While all partners have committed to data sharing, except for behavioral health providers due to privacy restrictions, the Board is moving forward with a clear action plan and subcommittee development. To date, the local OFR team is fully operational, having reviewed 14 cases and issued 27 total recommendations, with work initiated on 12 of them, marking a strong start in leveraging cross-agency collaboration and data-driven insights to address overdose fatalities in the community.
Cross-Agency Collaboration
The program has embraced cross-agency collaboration as a core strategy to expand access to recovery and strengthen community-based responses to substance use and reentry. From the outset, the initiative has worked to build strong trust-based partnerships with key stakeholders, including law enforcement, prosecutors, EMS, and healthcare providers. A central focus has been on reducing stigma, particularly between individuals in recovery and professionals in the criminal justice system, by fostering mutual understanding and respect. These efforts have led to meaningful progress, including the successful integration of peer support specialists into the team, whose presence has helped shift perceptions and enhance engagement across sectors. Relationships have been established with nurses, health departments, and community organizations, further strengthening the collaborative network.
Community Partners
Reno County EMS
Reno County Community Corrections
Reno County Correctional Facility
Reno County Department of Youth Services
Reno County Districts Attorneys Office
Reno County Health Department
Reno County Overdose Fatality Review Board
Reno County Sheriff
Advanced Public Health Solutions, Adrienne Herelle
Brighthouse Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center
CDC Foundation/HIDTA
Hutchinson Police Department
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Horizons Mental Health Center
Kansas Department of Health and Environment, DIS
Mirror, Inc
Rise Up Reno
Substance Abuse Center of Kansas
The Summit, BreakThru
United Way of Reno County
USD 309 Nickerson School District
Key Takeaways
Reno County has fostered a more integrated and effective support network by strengthening collaboration within community-based agencies and leveraging their unique strengths to enhance service delivery within the jail and throughout reentry. The project’s success is rooted in mutual support, shared responsibilities, and strong personal connections among team members and partners, which enhances both the impact and satisfaction of their work, ultimately contributing to a healthier and safer community for all.
Project Director
Megan Gottschalk, Health Educator
Reno County Health Department
megan.gottschalk@renocountyks.gov
620-259-8466
This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA23GK02258COAP awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.