Transylvania County, NC
Transylvania County CARE Coalition & Transylvania County
north carolina
Rural | Population: 33,549Transylvania County, located in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, has taken critical steps to address the challenges of substance use and reentry with its Creating Access to Therapeutic, Reentry, and Recovery Support Services program.
The Transylvania County Jail-Based Reentry Program, a collaborative effort between the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office and the CARE Coalition, is designed to ease the transition from incarceration back into the community. Launched in 2021 at the Transylvania County Detention Center (TCDC), this initiative empowers individuals to reclaim their lives while strengthening community safety and cohesion. With approximately four individuals released from the detention center each day, many face overwhelming barriers, limited financial resources, unstable housing, unemployment, and a lack of supportive relationships. These challenges are further compounded for those living with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. The reentry program addresses these needs by connecting participants to essential resources and support before their release, increasing their chances of stability and long-term success.
“I have been in and out of jail for the last 10 years of my life. I have learned how to start breaking down my life and finding the root causes of my problems and failures. I have counseling sessions frequently, class work, and coping skills I have learned and practiced daily. I have a plan set for when I am released. I am very thankful for being able to make this choice while incarcerated, thanks to this program.”
—program participant
Transforming Lives Through Reentry Services
The Transylvania County Jail-Based Reentry Program is more than a bridge back into the community, it is a lifeline for individuals ready to rebuild their lives. Through support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP), the initiative funds two dedicated staff members within the local detention center who provide case management, behavioral health assessments, counseling, and in-jail programming. These services are carefully designed to prepare participants for reentry while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to repeated incarceration.
“The reentry services opened my eyes to community resources, coping skills other than using drugs, and showed me I do have a chance at a better drug-free life. I think this program can ultimately save lives and steer people towards better, more productive lives.”
—program participant
By connecting individuals to a network of community providers including inpatient substance use treatment, outpatient mental health counseling, housing assistance, and other essential services, the program lays the foundation for long-term recovery and reintegration.
Originally launched with a 2021 COSSUP grant, the program has now secured a second round of funding through September 2027. This next phase will strengthen in-jail services while expanding into the community with the addition of peer support ensuring continued support at every step of the reentry journey.
Key Components of the Program
343
tcdc detainees screened for substance use
Screening and Assessment
The jail-based Behavioral Health Clinician, who specializes in the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, meets with all newly admitted TCDC inmates after 72 hours of detention to conduct screening and assessment.
241
detainees received behavioral health services
In-Custody Treatment
Evidence-based treatment occurs in the form of one-on-one trauma-informed counseling. The Behavioral Health Clinician coordinates with TCDC’s contracted medical services provider to help clients obtain psychiatric telehealth services and medication management, provides reentry recommendations for appropriate levels of treatment and care upon release, and makes warm handoffs to community-based providers.
344
detainees received case management and/or reentry programming
105
detainees participated in in-custody programming that addresses criminogenic needs
Jail-Based Reentry Services
A Reentry Specialist shares information and collaborates with the individual to promote access to relevant services, including harm reduction, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient recovery support, recovery meetings, peer support, and MAT. This may include supporting individuals in applying for Medicaid and/or to a community agency that provides other financial assistance.
Long-Term Impact
Reduced jail rule violations by 40% among participants
Reduced 12-month rearrest rate by 45% among participants
36% of participants were not re-arrested within 12 months
The program resulted in an estimated $130,582 of savings in detention costs alone (does not include court or patrol costs).
Key Community Partnerships
Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Transylvania Public Health
Transylvania County CARE Coalition
Love & Respect Community for Recovery & Wellness
St. Philip’s Justice Ministry
Transylvania Henderson Reentry Connection (emerging local reentry council)
WSU (evaluator)
Conclusion
Transylvania County celebrates both its progress and the lives it has touched. One participant shared, “Thanks to someone making me feel like I am better than who I thought I was. I can say this is not the end. It does get better.” These powerful words reflect the life-changing impact of the program’s jail-based reentry and substance use disorder treatment services. Transylvania County is improving public safety and community well-being by prioritizing early intervention, utilizing evidence-based practices, and fostering collaboration.
Transylvania County, North Carolina, faces a severe substance use disorder (SUD) crisis, exacerbated by its rural Appalachian setting and barriers to services. In 2023, nearly half of all charges leading to incarceration at the Transylvania County Detention Center were tied to SUD or challenges in accessing critical services. Between October 2022 and March 2024, 72% of detainees screened for SUD tested positive, with many also struggling with co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. Challenges such as limited access to community-based treatment, transportation issues, housing instability, and insufficient reentry support have resulted in high relapse and recidivism rates.
Key COSSUP Initiatives
universal screening & assessment
Universal screening for behavioral health needs at booking and timely assessment, as needed.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Provide access to medications to treat individuals with opioid use disorders in the jail.
Evidence-based treatment
Provide access to in-jail and community-based counseling, group therapy, and support for co-occurring disorders.
comprehensive reentry support
Connect individuals to healthcare providers, housing and transportation resources, and treatment services upon release.
peer recovery support services
Embed certified peer recovery specialists with lived experience in jail facilities to engage incarcerated individuals, build rapport, and provide recovery support.
Anticipated Benefits of Project
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This project aims to reduce overdose fatalities through access to timely and effective treatment.
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This project aims to increase public safety through seamlessly transitioning individuals from treatment in custody to community-based treatment.
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This project aims to improve the reentry process and therefore reduce recidivism by addressing barriers to treatment, including housing and transportation.
Collaborative Partners
Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Transylvania Public Health
CARE Coalition of Transylvania County
Love & Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness
Mountain Area Health Education Center, UNC Health Sciences
Research-to-Practice
Operation Gateway
Blue Ridge Health
St. Philip’s Justice Ministry
Transylvania Henderson Reentry Connection
Project Director
Kristen Gentry, Project Director
Transylvania County CARE Coalition
kristen.gentry@transylvaniacounty.org
828-884-1751
Project Director
Ayla Whitmire, Behavioral Health Clinician
Transylvania County CARE Coalition
ayla.whitmire@transylvaniacounty.org
828-577-7427
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.