Ottawa County, MI
Ottawa County Government
MIchigan
Suburban | Population: 306,235Ottawa County is confronting a profound and escalating crisis at the intersection of substance use disorders (SUD), mental illness, and the criminal justice system. The challenge is particularly acute for justice-involved adults with moderate to severe stimulant or opioid use disorders, many of whom also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions. The criminal justice system is burdened by rising caseloads related to substance use, persistently high rates of recidivism, and formidable barriers to treatment and recovery support for incarcerated individuals. In 2019 alone, 6,424 individuals were arrested for drug-related felonies, a staggering 27.2% increase from the previous year. Local data further reveals that 23% of those booked into jail are identified as having SUD concerns, with 15% expressing anxiety about withdrawal during incarceration. These statistics underscore the urgent need for coordinated re-entry strategies that connect individuals to ongoing treatment, housing, and recovery support.
in a recent quarter…
59
people received comprehensive assessments to detect co-occurring conditions
118
people entering jail were identified as having substance use concerns
A Comprehensive Approach
In response, the 2023 Ottawa County Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) was established to create a seamless continuum of care for individuals in the jail system grappling with SUDs and co-occurring mental health disorders. The program’s enhancements are both strategic and holistic.
Improved Clinical Assessments
25
people began treatment for co-occurring disorders
Post-booking evaluations have been strengthened to identify substance use and mental health needs at the earliest opportunity.
Peer Recovery Support
A dedicated peer recovery coach provides direct support to incarcerated individuals, ensuring smooth transitions to community-based care upon release.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Evidence-based medications—including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—are offered to support recovery and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Currently, five incarcerated individuals are receiving MAT.
48
people received ongoing peer recovery support services
Discharge Planning and Case Management
Expanded services ensure that individuals leaving jail have access to housing support, continued care, and other critical resources. In the second quarter of 2025, 69 individuals benefited from case management and discharge planning.
Educational Programming
Inmates participate in addiction education programs that prepare them for recovery beyond the jail setting. A Women’s Recovery group is offered weekly, and "Thinking for a Change" is provided twice weekly for men.
Data Integration
A partnership with Wayne State University has enabled the development of a unified dashboard for tracking program outcomes and improving service delivery.
Key staffing additions have been instrumental in implementing these initiatives. The hiring of a peer recovery coach has ensured that incarcerated individuals receive consistent, empathetic support both during custody and after release. The addition of a new case manager has expanded the program’s capacity to coordinate discharge planning and connect participants with vital community resources.
“I am so thankful for all that Kayla, Justin, and Stacy have done for me. I could not have been where I am now mindset-wise without you and the COSSUP program.”
— Program participant
Collaboration as a Cornerstone
The success of Ottawa County’s initiative is rooted in robust partnerships with local organizations such as Genoa Pharmacy and 70x7 Ministries, which have expanded access to treatment options, recovery housing, and reintegration services. Internally, Community Mental Health (CMH) departments have enhanced coordination to streamline service delivery and improve participant outcomes.
The county’s collaboration with Wayne State University has also been pivotal in advancing data-sharing capabilities. By integrating systems like Jail Tracker and CMH’s electronic medical records, the program can more effectively monitor progress and make informed, data-driven decisions.
Collaborative Partners
Ottawa County Government
Ottawa County Jail
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County
70x7 Ministries
Genoa Pharmacy
Looking Ahead
Ottawa County remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement. Future plans include strengthening collaboration with justice partners, enhancing data integration tools, and focusing on measuring long-term recovery outcomes. The overarching goal is to provide comprehensive support for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities, addressing their unique needs related to addiction and mental health.
Ottawa County’s initiative stands as a compelling model for how targeted, collaborative interventions can address addiction within the justice system. By prioritizing treatment and recovery over punitive measures, the county is not only improving individual outcomes but also enhancing the well-being of the broader community.
Project Director
Kelly Boeve, SUD Services Program Coordinator
Ottawa County
kboeve@miottawa.org
616-393-5720
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.