Hamilton County moves to apply for up to $9M to expand jail medication‑assisted treatment

The Hamilton County Office of Economic and Community Development presented Resolution 326‑18 to apply for up to $9 million from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council Cycle 3 program to expand medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) in the county jail.

A county presenter described the proposal as a collaborative application that would build on an existing pilot that pairs medication with clinical interventions in the jail setting. "Medication assisted treatment refers to pairing medication with clinical interventions. This strategy for addressing opioid use disorder research shows reduces mortality, it reduces overdose, it increases retention," the presenter said, citing prior work with community partners.

Presenters noted prior grant activity: the county did not receive Round 1 of the state distribution but secured a $250,000 award and a roughly $1.2 million Bureau of Justice Assistance grant in subsequent applications. The jail program graduated its first cohort of seven participants in February, presenters said.

Commissioners sought clarity on whom the program would serve and how award funds would be overseen. Chief Bernard said eligibility is tied to individuals who flow through the Hamilton County Jail: "The costs are borne by the county no matter where somebody's primary residence may be," he said, describing the program as an intervention point for anyone entering the county jail system. County staff said if the county is awarded funds the commission would be asked to accept the grant and that typical purchasing rules would apply; purchases above $50,000 would return to the commission for approval.

The commission indicated support for applying and asked staff to bring any award back for formal acceptance and budget adjustments as required.