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Adams County approves three‑year opioid settlement-funded peer support pilot for jail and community
Summary
The county authorized a three-year pilot contracting with 3 Bridges Recovery for certified peer support services using opioid settlement funds; the program includes jail-based support, community SMART Recovery groups and outreach at an estimated $107,250.90 per year.
Adams County supervisors voted to use opioid settlement funds to launch a three‑year peer support pilot aimed at expanding recovery services in jail and the community.
The board adopted Resolution 13 to contract with 3 Bridges Recovery for a peer support pilot that includes one‑on‑one peer coaching, SMART Recovery groups, a jail-based “Inside Out” SMART program and community outreach. The contract cost is listed in the presentation as $107,250.90 per year; the county’s current opioid‑settlement account balance shown to the board was $438,217, and staff noted anticipated additional settlement receipts of $105,010 through 2027. The resolution passed 19–1 with Supervisor Podolski voting no.
Presenters summarized the work group’s research, listening sessions and a spring 2024 survey of people with lived experience. “The biggest challenges people were faced with is 60% of respondents did not know where to go for help,” the presenter said, noting participants also reported shame, judgment and lack of support as barriers to seeking services.
Staff framed peer support as an evidence‑based strategy: peer coaches provide emotional support, practical guidance and help navigating services, and can both meet people in the community and offer continuity while someone is incarcerated and after release. The proposed contract includes a jail component; staff said the jail program would be four hours per week and that peer support services are voluntary for inmates.
Sheriff John York and presenting staff said peer support would help connect inmates to community resources upon release and provide coaching during incarceration. Sheriff York said many bookings involve individuals under the influence or withdrawing and that the period of incarceration can be an opportunity to connect people to recovery supports.
Supervisors asked whether a detox or stabilization facility currently exists in Adams County; presenters and Sheriff York said the county contracts with regional providers for crisis and stabilization services and that the county does not have a local detox/stabilization facility. One supervisor moved to use funds to create a local stabilization center, but the motion failed for lack of a second.
Staff and county counsel told supervisors the proposed contract will include performance metrics and a termination clause so the county can cancel if metrics or utilization are not met. Board members also asked about ongoing funding after three years; presenters said continuation beyond the three‑year pilot would require future budget action by the board.
The board adopted the resolution and authorized the contract negotiations with the nonprofit provider; staff will return the contract for legal review and signature and will track metrics and utilization as part of the pilot evaluation.
