Madison County, NY
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
new york
Rural | Population: 66,921Madison County is a mostly rural and agricultural community in central New York State that has experienced rising rates of overdose deaths and significant impacts on individuals, families, and the broader community. The county’s jail has become a revolving door for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, many of whom are underserved and lack access to effective treatment and recovery support. The need for this initiative is underscored by the rapid increase in opioid overdose deaths locally, the ripple effects of addiction on public safety and community well-being, and the unique opportunity that jails present for intervention.
By implementing a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in the jail, coupled with evidence-based behavioral health services and strong connections to community providers, Madison County aims to reduce overdose deaths, lower recidivism, and support successful reentry. This initiative will address longstanding gaps in care for justice-involved individuals, providing them with the tools and support necessary to break the cycle of addiction and incarceration.
Key Program Components
Medication-Assisted Treatment
22
individuals, 26% of jail POPULATION, on mat in april 2025
At the heart of the project is the establishment of a MAT program tailored to the needs of incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder. The medical director has agreed to provide MAT services for quicker and more consistent treatment. Each month, the program provides buprenorphine, an FDA-approved, evidence-based medication, to approximately twenty high-risk inmates, while ensuring that all others who qualify have access to additional forms of MAT, such as methadone or naltrexone. This approach is grounded in the latest research, which demonstrates that MAT, when combined with behavioral interventions, significantly improves treatment retention, reduces relapse and recidivism, and lowers the risk of overdose death.
0
individuals on naltrexone or buprenorphine or naltrexone RE-ARRESTED in the current funding year
To support overdose prevention, incarcerated individuals receive training in the use of naloxone. This proactive measure is designed to mitigate the heightened risk of overdose that individuals face during the vulnerable period immediately following release from incarceration.
Staff Training
Staff education and training are also central to the project’s success. The facility has successfully implemented a video-based training program on MAT principles and practices for staff, achieving a high completion rate among full-time and part-time officers. This comprehensive training ensures that corrections officers, program staff, and healthcare providers are aligned in their understanding of the value of MAT and their roles in supporting participants.
100%
of re-entry team members have completed requirements to be naloxone trainers and train both staff and incarcerated individuals
Key Community Partners
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Madison County Mental Health
ACR Health
Beacon Center
BRiDGES
Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services
Community Recovery Center
Conifer Park
Crouse Behavioral Health
Family & Children Counseling Services
Helio Health
Liberty Resources
Reach Medical
St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation
THRIVE Wellness
White Deer Run
Looking Ahead
Over the next year, the program aims to expand services by providing an SUD course to improve success. The content will address previous/current lifestyle choices and provide skill-building opportunities in rational thinking, communication skills, and institution/community adjustment.
Project Director
Steve Laureti
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
stephen.laureti@madisoncounty.ny.gov
315-366-2792
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.