Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

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Fentanyl Response Program: Facing down the epidemic In December 2023, the Fentanyl Response Program (FRP) was launched at the medium security Pocahontas Correctional Center, followed by a high security Fentan yl Response Program at Wallens Ridge State Prison in March 2024. These programs provide targeted support to inmates who have tested positive for fentanyl. Since its inception, FRP has had 257 enrollments with 96 completions and 98 inmates still currently enrolled. FRP offers a secure environment where inmates can work towards recovery. To ensure participants have minimal access to any illicit substances, they are housed together in their own therapeutic milieu. This treatment focused housing includes distinct recreation times, meals, and movement schedules. Spectrum Health Systems partnered with VADOC to provide intensive substance use disorder treatment services to the Fentanyl Response Programs beginning February 5, 2024. FRP is designed to foster a prosocial, substance-free recovery environment. The four-stage program educates participants about the dangers of fentanyl and provides intensive programming to help inmates to make different behavioral choices. Compre hensive services include assessments, programming and peer recovery specialist groups, along with daily morning and evening meetings. Treatment progression is solely based on the individual’s ability to demonstrate internalize motivation for change, prosocial attitudes and behaviors, consistent application of learned life, coping and recovery skills. Collaborative individualized

their own multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) meeting including key stakeholders from various divisions such as mental health and wellness, medical, operations, treatment and security. This weekly review process ensures inmates can be quickly accepted into the program and transferred to the relevant program location. Inmates who are awaiting the MDT meeting’s review decision are safely housed in an alternative general population setting where they begin the treatment process through the use of an interactive journal series. In this way the VADOC is working hard to provide both safety and treatment to those inmates who are strug gling with dangerous addictive behaviors. As a former judge who presided over Recovery Courts, I have seen firsthand the impact that recovery can make on the lives of individuals and their families. I am proud of the work being done in the VADOC and the commitment our department has made to addiction treatment and long-lasting public safety. — Director Chad Dotson.

Summer 2025 | Corrections Today

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