St. Lawrence County, NY
St. Lawrence County
new york
Rural | Population: 106,940St. Lawrence County, a rural region in northern New York, faces significant challenges in addressing the opioid crisis, particularly among criminal justice-involved populations. The attached project seeks to expand and enhance evidence-based treatment and recovery services for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), with a special focus on those who are or are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. As the County has experienced dramatic increases in drug-related offenses and overdose incidents, there is an urgent need to address barriers to treatment access within the justice system, including for incarcerated individuals, those under community supervision, and those diverted from traditional prosecution.
The 2022 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant project aims to bridge these gaps by implementing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) within the County Correctional Facility, strengthening pre- and post-arrest diversion strategies, and providing rapid response and peer support to overdose victims identified through law enforcement partnerships. By prioritizing criminal justice needs, the initiative will help reduce recidivism, improve health outcomes, and support long-term recovery.
Key Components of the MAT Program
Medication-Assisted Treatment
254
incarcerated individuals served through jail-based mat program in 2024
In October 2021, New York State mandated that all correctional facilities provide Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to eligible incarcerated individuals by October 2022. This directive represented a critical step forward but also strained local resources. With federal funding, the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility partnered with St. Lawrence County Addiction Services to establish a robust jail-based MAT program offering all three FDA-approved medications for OUD treatment. Beyond medication access, the program provides individual and group counseling, peer support, and case management. Discharge planners coordinate seamless transitions to community-based treatment and housing support to ensure continuity of care post-incarceration.
Peer Recovery Support Services
12,017
rides to treatment provided in 2024
Two peer recovery coaches are essential in engaging jail-based MAT participants through virtual peer recovery support services and ongoing assistance after release. These coaches also collaborate with local law enforcement to connect overdose survivors with critical resources such as housing and transportation, fostering stability during recovery.
Overdose Prevention Services
562
individuals trained in overdose prevention in 2024
St. Lawrence County actively combats stigma surrounding substance use and opioid use disorders through targeted education initiatives and public outreach campaigns. In 2024 alone, the county trained 562 individuals in overdose prevention and distributed naloxone to reduce overdose fatalities. Public service announcements, social media campaigns, and community events aim to dismantle misconceptions about OUD while promoting access to treatment and recovery services.
“I was white-knuckling it—more likely to relapse than not. With counseling and medication, it’s much easier to stay clean. It saved my life.”
—program participant
Community Partnerships: A Collaborative Approach
223
unique individuals treated through community-based otp clinic in 2024
The program’s success is rooted in strong partnerships across agencies that enhance access to essential services both within the correctional facility and throughout the community. Oversight is provided by the St. Lawrence County Opioid Rural Response (SLCORR) Committee, established in October 2020 with a mission to reduce substance use disorder (SUD)-related morbidity and mortality. SLCORR includes key stakeholders such as St. Lawrence County Community Services, the Overdose Prevention Program, Seaway Valley Prevention Council, Maximizing Independent Living Center (MILC), and New Hope Transformation Ministries (Grace House).
“Providing incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to continue their prescribed medication significantly reduces withdrawal symptoms. This approach supports their health and well-being and minimizes behavioral issues, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.”
—Addiction Services Director
Through innovative strategies, collaborative partnerships, and unwavering commitment, St. Lawrence County’s MAT program is transforming lives while addressing the complex challenges of OUD in rural communities.
Collaborative Partners
St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County Addiction Services
St. Lawrence County Opioid Rural Response Committee
St. Lawrence County Overdose Prevention Program
St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
St. Lawrence County Community Services Board
St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility
Seaway Valley Prevention Council
Maximizing Independent Living Choices
New Hope Transformation Ministries (dba Grace House)
Project Director
Jay Ulrich, Director of Community Services
St. Lawrence County
julrich@stlawco.gov
315-229-3562
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.