Commission hears MOU to fund medication-assisted treatment program for people leaving jail

Chief Phil Reese presented a memorandum of understanding to the Weber County Commission proposing use of opioid settlement funds to support a medication‑assisted treatment program for people leaving the county correctional facility.

The MOU, described by Reese as an agreement between the commission, Weber Human Services and the Sheriff’s Office, would fund a program that “includes a registered nurse [and] case manager” and would provide warm handoffs into community services for individuals reentering the county, Reese said. Reese added, “It's a program that will literally save lives.”

Commissioner Harvey praised the approach, saying the county is deploying opioid settlement money “strategically” to maximize impact on individuals. The memorandum was presented to the commissioners during the meeting; no formal motion or recorded vote on the MOU was announced in the transcript.

Reese also announced his upcoming retirement during the same remarks; commissioners acknowledged his service and noted he will continue transitioning duties. The memorandum and the staffing description (registered nurse and case manager providing warm handoffs) were discussed as program elements but the transcript does not record additional operational details, a formal approval, or a timeline for implementation.

If the commission proceeds to formalize or sign the MOU, staff would need to return to the commission with any motions or agreements for vote and provide implementation details such as contract terms, start date, and ongoing reporting requirements.