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Harvey County hears progress report on Waymakers Academy; participants report treatment and employment outcomes
Summary
Health Department Director Lynnette Redington presented July–Dec 2024 results from the Waymakers Academy detention-center pilot, funded by opioid-settlement and All Hands on DECK grants. Agenda materials included a profile of a participant who entered inpatient treatment, moved to sober living and secured employment.
The commission received a progress report on Waymakers Academy, a voluntary eight-week program in the Harvey County Detention Center that partners Prairie View, Inc., the Community Chaplain Response Team (CCRT) and the Harvey County Health Department.
Health Department Director Lynnette Redington said the program has been 'very successful' and that staff are exploring funding options to continue the pilot past June 2025. The agenda packet describes funding sources as opioid-settlement funds (referred to locally as Municipalities Fight Addiction Funds) and an All Hands on DECK grant. Redington noted many participants have substance-use needs and that Waymakers participants often transition into Drug Court.
The meeting packet included a participant profile labeled 'Client C,' which the packet says demonstrates an individual outcome: 'During his time in the Waymaker Academy, he participated very well, realizing the need for change in his life. Upon release, he entered an inpatient treatment program and successfully completed it. After graduation, he transitioned directly into a sober living environment. Within two days of arriving at Sober Living, he secured a job.' No action was requested; commissioners heard the report and records show staff will continue to seek funding to sustain the program.
