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Carver County highlights jail medication program for opioid use disorder, seeks continued opioid-settlement support
Summary
County officials described a medication-for-opioid-use-disorder program launched in 2025 using opioid settlement funds; staff reported about 90 inductions to date, fewer medical emergencies in custody, improved staff morale and a 2026 funding request of roughly $170,000 to sustain operations and clinical coverage while pursuing long-term funding.
Carver County staff told the board June 9 that an in-jail medication-for-opioid-use-disorder (MOUD) program launched in 2025 with opioid settlement funds has stabilized incarcerated individuals, reduced medical emergencies and improved staff safety and morale.
Public-health and jail presenters described core elements of the program: continuation of MOUD for people already on medication at booking, initiation of appropriate medications based on clinical assessment (COWS withdrawal scale), expanded medical coverage in the jail to support withdrawal monitoring and medication administration, and planned warm handoffs at release (medication bridge, naloxone kits, community treatment referrals).
"Offering medication for free is a great way to show these offenders we care," a presenter reported by quoting a sergeant involved in the jail program. Presenters said about 90 people had been inducted into the MOUD program since inception and staff have observed a marked drop in withdrawal-related incidents, seizures and severe medical events.
Funding for the initial years came from Carver County's share of national opioid settlement proceeds. Presenters said the jail used roughly $148,000 the first year and anticipates roughly $170,000 for the current year to cover medication, testing supplies, consulting oversight, supplemental medical staffing and holiday/emergency coverage. Staff described the opioid dollars as a startup and bridging source and said they will return with options to sustain the program beyond the settlement funds, which are time-limited.
Board members praised the program's clinical and public-safety benefits and asked for outcome tracking tied to recidivism and overdose prevention. Staff said they are collecting operational metrics and will aim to present longitudinal outcomes, and that next steps include exploring long-term funding and integration with community treatment partners to improve re-entry continuity.
The board did not take a formal levy vote at this meeting; staff said any future request for county-levy support would be brought forward through budget processes if settlement funds prove insufficient for long-term operation.
