The Virginia Department of Corrections outlined an expansion of reentry and treatment supports on a December Abatement Academy webinar hosted by the Opioid Abatement Authority, naming opioid settlement funds and state grants as primary sources of support.

Alan Stewart, the department’s statewide substance use disorder manager, said the state has bolstered naloxone distribution and treatment access and is seeing progress in overdose trends. “We are beginning to get ahead of the opioid epidemic on a number of levels,” he said, citing statewide naloxone saturation and treatment efforts.

Kristen McKeon, the DOC’s statewide medication‑assisted‑treatment coordinator, described an OAA‑supported expansion of SUD social workers inside DOC facilities. She said the initiative grew from a cohort of seven SUD social workers (six originally funded by OAA) to 11 positions now funded by OAA, with 12 SUD social workers total statewide. Those social workers coordinate medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD/MAT), provide group and individual treatment, and prepare reentry “home plans” that include community clinic appointments and referrals.

The presenters said warm handoffs are central to reducing post‑release overdose risk: every person receiving MOUD or requesting evaluation on release is scheduled for a follow‑up appointment at a community services board (CSB) or clinic in their release area. Kristen said referral forms are also sent to the receiving probation district and to recovery support navigators to increase the likelihood of timely follow‑up.

The department discussed several residential and outpatient tracks. Alan described a fentanyl response program (FRP) at Pocahontas State Correctional Center that provides four months of intensive residential treatment for people testing positive for fentanyl, and a separate residential program for those who experience an overdose. Spectrum Health Systems was named as a contractor providing program directors, counselors and case managers for these programs.

Peer recovery specialists (PRS) were highlighted as a major component of DOC programming. DOC representatives said incarcerated people—including some serving long or life sentences—can train as PRS, receive DBHDS‑based training and pursue certification; once certified, PRS can work inside facilities or seek employment in community agencies, sheriff’s offices and recovery houses. Alan said DOC has used state and federal grants to train hundreds of PRS since 2022.

The webinar also showcased harm‑reduction distribution: an unmonitored naloxone dispensing box in Probation District 43 (Tazewell) has distributed more than 800 naloxone kits in 2025 so far; OAA support will expand the pilot to six additional boxes. Presenters described reentry wellness kits produced with the Virginia Department of Health that include two‑dose naloxone kits, medication disposal products, wound care, fentanyl test strips, toiletries and a resource card with statewide links and messages from state leaders.

Presenters stressed coordination with local and regional jails is separate from DOC oversight but said OAA grants are available to local governments to fund similar programs in jails. Moderator Tony McDowell noted the cost dynamic for local officials: investing in treatment and reentry supports often reduces long‑term incarceration costs.

The session closed with an audience Q&A; presenters said they will continue monthly calls that include jail administrators and offered contact information for jurisdictions seeking to join peer‑support or reentry coordination efforts. The presenters thanked the Opioid Abatement Authority for grant support and said additional Abatement Academy sessions are planned for 2026.