Madison City Council Continues Partnership with Police on Substance Use Recovery Initiative

During a recent meeting of the Dane County Health & Human Needs Committee, members discussed the continuation of a vital partnership aimed at addressing substance use disorders in the community. The resolution focuses on the collaboration between the Madison Police Department and the Madison Area Recovery Initiative (MARI), a diversion program designed to prevent individuals with substance use issues from entering the criminal justice system.

MARI has been supported through various funding sources over the years, including grants from the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Department of Health Services (DC DHS). However, recent cuts to the state opioid response grant have led to reduced funding for the rapid access assessment center operated by Tellurian, which has previously been managed through DC DHS contracts.

This funding reduction raises concerns about the program's ability to provide timely support for individuals seeking help, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by local agencies in addressing substance use issues. The committee's discussions underscore the importance of maintaining and potentially increasing support for such initiatives to ensure that community members have access to necessary resources.

As the meeting concluded, committee members acknowledged the need for continued dialogue and action to address these pressing health and human needs within Dane County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in future discussions, as public testimony is welcomed in upcoming meetings.